Tuscan GP to become the first race with fans

F1 Grand Prix, GP Belgium, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

The Ferrari-owned Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello has confirmed today that the Tuscan Grand Prix will become the first F1 race this year that will be open to fans.

Formula 1 has staged seven races so far in the coronavirus-affected 2020 season with all of them taking place behind closed doors. Next weekend’s Italian Grand Pirx will also be a ’ghost race’ despite the event at Monza being the highlight of the European leg of the season.

After confirming its plans today, Mugello has announced that the Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio Della Toscana Ferrari 1000 will be the first race in 2020 that will host fans. The Tuscan Grand Prix, Round 9 of the curtailed 2020 F1 season, will also mark Ferrari's 1000th race in the Formula 1.

In an announcement released on Sunday morning, the Mugello circuit has confirmed that 2,880 fans will be able to attend the three-day event.

"During the three-day GP, 2,880 spectators can attend the event every day: 1,000 in Tribuna Centrale, [and] 1,000 in Tribuna Materassi. Members of Scuderia Ferrari clubs will be offered a private allocation of 880 tickets available for purchase for Tribuna 58.

The Ferrari-owned circuit will work out a strict protocol in a bid to guarantee safety for fans and staff.

"A detailed operating plan, presented by Mugello Circuit and approved by Regione Toscana, contains all the anti-COVID-19 actions envisaged in this circumstance to guarantee the maximum safety for all attendees. Tickets will be available from Tuesday 1 September."

It has been confirmed that the the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be run behind closed doors as it closes the season on December 13. However, it is believed that Sochi, Portimao, Imola and Bahrain are all keen to host fans.