Motorsport UK has opened online permit applications for circuits wanting to host events from the 4th July, suggesting plans for a summertime restart to British racing could go ahead. If all goes as intended, it would provide Silverstone with the calendar space to host its proposed 2020 British GP on the 26th July (and potentially a second race the weekend after), as well as allow the British Touring Car Championship to run its delayed opener at Donington at the start of August.
It’s a major step forward for British motorsport, which has been on pause since lockdown took hold in March. But while those headline events will be buoyed by the announcement, lower-rung and club-level competitions are less likely to receive a permit - at least at first. Only half the usual volume of events will be allowed for the first month in order to reduce the number of outings marshals have to make, while each event will be allocated a Covid-19 officer that will only allow it to take place should strict guidelines be adhered to. We're crossing our fingers for EnduroKA, of course.
Also, as expected, each event will be held behind closed doors, with even the British GP set for empty grandstands meaning that television footage alone will provide coverage. Teams and event personnel will have to adhere to government social distancing measures, which means – much like MSV’s recently announced track day plans – practices such as signing on and driver’s briefing are likely to be moved into the digital world. Thankfully, it seems no on-track regulations will be affected by the coronavirus restrictions…
Motorsport UK chairman, David Richards, said of the news: “In March, [we] moved quickly and in line with government to suspend motorsport, while everyone’s priority was restricting the spread of this terrible disease and protecting the NHS. It is now right that, as government has set out plans to ease restrictions, we move in step and introduce the next stage of our phased restart. Unlike many sports, motorsport in the UK is an industry in itself, employing tens of thousands and contributing billions of pounds to the UK economy.”
While at this stage Motorsport UK’s announcement refers to all of Great Britain, the authority did state that it’s “acutely aware that different devolved territories of the UK may be moving at different paces in easing restrictions”. Naturally, it aims to respect each region’s regulations, so we may see motorsport recommencing in some areas before others, and in further into the future, the same may be true for the return of spectators. The organisation is also taking into account that a second wave of UK infections could require it to reverse some of its eased restrictions, so there’s no guarantee a full season of BTCC racing (for example) will go ahead.
For now though we can certainly take some solace in knowing that the first few steps are being taken to ensure the return of racing in Britain. It’s great news not just for those of us itching to see some on-track action, but also the companies and organisations that rely so heavily on motorsport taking place each year. With no racing cars to build and prepare, producers all the way up to McLaren are suffering. Here’s hoping today’s announcement will trigger further positive action to save as many associated firms as possible.
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