The Turkish Grand Prix will be run behind closed doors, the country’s government has decreed, in a bid to reduce the risk of Covid-19.
Formula 1’s opening seven rounds were run without spectators but a select group of doctors and nurses were invited to Monza, while up to 2,880 fans were allowed into Mugello.
Organisers of the most recent round, held at Russia’s Sochi Autodrom, welcomed approximately 30,000 spectators to the event.
Istanbul Park, which was last part of the schedule in 2011, had hoped to allow up to 100,000 fans per day to the venue, with promoters slashing ticket prices.
But on Monday the country’s government declared that the event must be run without spectators.
“In accordance with the recommendation of the Istanbul Provincial Pandemic Committee the Turkish Grand Prix 2020 race is to be held without spectators,” it was announced in a brief statement.
Of the upcoming events a limited number of fans will be allowed access to the Nurburgring, Portimao and Imola.
Officials in Bahrain have yet to determine the situation ahead of its two events in November and December.
The season-ending round in Abu Dhabi will be run behind closed doors.
