Formula 1 said the UK government's plan to impose a lockdown would rule out the British Grand Prix and affect tens of thousands of jobs linked to the event if exemptions were not granted.
British ministers said the government wants to impose a 14-day quarantine on most people arriving in the country in the coming weeks to try to avoid a second wave of Covid-19 infections.
Formula 1 is planning to hold two races without fans at Silverstone, the circuit that this year celebrates 70 years since it hosted the first world championship race, immediately after the two races scheduled in Austria in early July.
A Formula 1 spokesman said on Tuesday: “A 14-day quarantine will make it impossible to hold the British Grand Prix this year. It has a significant impact on tens of thousands of jobs linked to Formula 1 and supply chains.” He added: “If all elite sports are to return to television, exceptions must be made.”
Seven of the 10 Formula 1 teams are based in England, and plans for this season, which has not yet started due to the pandemic, will be halted because the teams will have to spend two weeks in quarantine every time they return from abroad.
Formula 1 plans to hold races in Austria in a controlled “bubble”. Team members will be tested frequently for the virus, travel on charter flights and avoid contact with anyone outside of the team. Pasture. (Dr)
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