Organisers of the British Grand Prix have confirmed that any Formula 1 event that is allowed to take place at the circuit in 2020 will be held behind closed doors.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has caused seven of the opening nine grands prix to be postponed, with Australia and Monaco cancelled altogether.
Further events are expected to be abandoned while any rounds that can be held during the summer months are set to take place without fans.
In recent years the British Grand Prix has been among the best-attended events but any round that can be held in 2020 will do so without spectators.
Ticket holders can apply for a refund or transfer the ticket until the 2021 event, and will be contacted within the next two weeks.
“As promised I am writing to let you know the latest regarding the 2020 British Grand Prix,” Silverstone Managing Director Stuart Pringle wrote in a letter to fans on Monday.
“I am extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year’s British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone.
“We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future, that a Grand Prix under normal conditions is just not going to be possible.
“Our obligations to protects the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event, our volunteer marshals, and Race Makers, and of course, you, the amazing fans, means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make.
“We have consistently said that should we find ourselves in this position we will support Formula 1 as they seek to find alternative ways to enable F1 racing to take place this year.
“Following this weekend’s new from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport we are now working with them on the viability of an event behind closed doors.
“Should this be possible it will be of some small comfort for you to know that the 2020 British Grand Prix will be available to watch live on Sky and Channel 4.”
Formula 1 is working on a proposal to begin the 2020 campaign in Austria followed by a round in Britain, with multiple races likely at the respective venues.
It is hoped that the season can get underway in July.
Teams will bring only essential personnel while guests, VIPs and media personnel will not be permitted access to the event in order to reduce numbers.
In order to travel teams and personnel will need the approval of respective governments and to return a negative test for COVID-19.
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