Coronavirus: F1 demands quarantine exemptions for elite sport

Silverstone is planning to host two races behind closed doors this summer, subject to government approval, to make up for some of the lost time in the 2020 F1 season.

Published : May 19, 2020 19:03 IST

Silverstone is set to stage two races this season.

A British Grand Prix would be “impossible” this year if elite sport is not exempt from 14-day quarantine restrictions when entering the United Kingdom, Formula One said on Tuesday.

“A 14-day quarantine would make it impossible to have a British Grand Prix this year,” said an F1 spokesperson.

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“Additionally it has a major impact on literally tens of thousands of jobs linked to F1 and supply chains.

“We would be travelling back to the UK on F1-only occupied aircraft and all staff would be tested making a quarantine totally unnecessary.

“If all elite sport is to return to TV then exemptions must be provided.”

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Seven of the 10 teams on the Formula One grid have bases in the UK. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament last week that the return of sport on TV would “provide a much-needed boost to national morale”.