Organisers of Formula 1’s returning Portuguese Grand Prix say they are aiming to cater for 45,000 fans at the event next month.
Portugal’s Portimao circuit has been included on the revised coronavirus-hit calendar for the first time, with the country returning to the championship 24 years after Estoril’s last round.
Formula 1 fans have not been permitted access to the opening eight events but some venues will be allowing trackside spectators for the remaining rounds.
Up to 3,000 fans will be present at this weekend’s Mugello round while organisers in Russia and Turkey are also targeting having paying punters at the venue.
“We have a total of 90,000 grandstand seats available here at our circuit,” Portimao’s commercial director Miguel Praia told XS2Event.
“However, with the specific permission of our government, we will be using a maximum of 50 per cent of the capacity meaning we will welcome a maximum of 45,000 fans per day.
“Formula 1 fans attending our event will have their temperature measured at the entrance of the circuit.
“Everyone will have their own seat in the grandstand and is not allowed to sit in another place.
“Apart from that we will only allow fans that will wear their protective mask. However, they are allowed to take off their mask when they are seated in the grandstand.”
The Nurburgring had indicated that it would be open to a limited number of spectators but it is understood that the German government has prohibited people gathering at large events until 2021.
Organisers of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have already confirmed that it will be run behind closed doors.
