Silverstone open to different scenarios
The manager of the Silverstone circuit, Stuart Pringle said that the historic race course is open to several scenarios if it helps to save this year’s championship.
The first eight races of the 2020 F1 season had to be cancelled or postponed amid growing uncertainty about the fate of the championship. With the outbreak having shown no signs of peaking, further delays can be expected before the 2020 race cars can hit the track for the first time at a grand prix weekend.
The sport is currently working on different scenarios to save the season, creating a totally reshuffled calendar for the time when the coronavirus is over. Among the possibilities are the shortening of race weekends to two days or multiple races at the same weekend.
Silverstone, where the first-ever F1 race was staged in 1950, could become a venue where multiple events are arranged. The track’s manager, Stuart Pringle said that they are open to assist in a way that helps the sport.
"We are willing to work with them in any way, shape or form that they think is in the best interest of the championship,” he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
With seven of the ten F1 teams being based not far away from Silverstone, the legendary circuit could be logistically feasible. "The majority of the teams are within a stone's throw of the circuit, so operationally, it would be pretty straightforward. We have the infrastructure and the team members can go to their own homes and sleep there. If that's how we can help them, we'd be happy to do that."
If Silverstone plays host to more than one race, it is also possible that the second grand prix is held by reversing the direction of driving. "It's not a crazy thought. We're not licensed to run the other way, but these are extraordinary times, and I guess that extraordinary decisions are being made. Nothing's off the table, but equally, let's see what the next four weeks look like," Pringle said to Sky Sports.
