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Coronavirus: F1’s British Grand Prix sets deadline to learn fate of race

AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

A decision on whether or not Formula One‘s British Grand Prix will take place as scheduled this season could be made next week.

F1 bosses are creating a new calendar after the first eight races of the year were called off as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, and the revised schedule is expected to be shared before any more races are postponed.

The new calendar is likely to propose that racing begins this summer.

Stuart Pringle, managing director of Silverstone, where the British GP is set to take place, has said a decision must be made 12 weeks before 19 July, the date on which the race is to be held as things stand.

“It is not our decision alone,” said Pringle, who added that 70 per cent of his staff have been placed on furlough as a result of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We wouldn’t do anything without an agreement with Formula One, and the challenges that come with changing an international calendar.

“We are trying to find the right answer, but 12 weeks is the drop-dead date to get things prepared.”

This week, Motorsport UK, the governing body for motor racing in Britain, extended its suspension of events until the end of June.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, which normally sees a gate of over 200,000 people across its four days, was set to take place one week before the British GP, but has been postponed.

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