A start in camera for the Formula 1 season?

Coronavirus: a start in camera for the Formula 1 season?

Ross Brawn, Formula 1 sports director plans to start the Formula 1 season, possibly with the Grand Prix of France, in front of empty stands due to the health crisis.

The 2020 Formula 1 season, which is currently halted due to the epidemic of new coronavirus, could start with a race in Europe which would be contested behind closed doors, said the F1 sports director on Wednesday. Ross Brawn.

“From our point of view, the conditions appear favorable for the start of the season to be disputed in Europe, and this could be an event behind closed doors. We could set up a closed environment, where the teams would arrive by charter plane, we would transport them on the circuit making sure that everyone is tested for the virus and that nobody runs any risk, “explained Mr. Brawn on Sky Sports.

“We would have a race without spectators. It’s not ideal but it’s better than no racing at all, ”said the F1 sports director, recalling that millions of people are already used to watching the Grand Prix on television at them. “Being able to present a sporting event and distract people would be a huge benefit in the crisis we are going through.”

The first nine races of the 2020 season have been canceled (Australia, Monaco) or postponed indefinitely (Bahrain, China, Vietnam, Netherlands, Spain, Azerbaijan, Canada) due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The next race on the calendar is the French Grand Prix on June 28 on the Paul-Ricard circuit, in Le Castellet (Var).

For Mr. Brawn, the season could include 18 to 19 GP if it managed to start in July. “For a world championship, a minimum of eight races is required according to the FIA ​​statutes. This minimum could be reached if we start in October. This is where the critical point is if we want the season to take place, “noted the leader, while recalling that the possibility of continuing the season in 2021 is still being studied.