Silverstone up for more

British Grand Prix

Silverstone next Sunday, 3pm

SILVERSTONE boss Stuart Pringle has raised the possibility of a second Formula One race taking place on British soil later this year.

A record-breaking crowd of more than 140,000 spectators will watch next Sunday’s British Grand Prix after the Government provided the green light for circuit organisers to sell out for the July 16-18 weekend.

Managing director Pringle (above) confirmed the event is set to be at capacity for all three days, paving the way for the largest UK crowd of the Covid-19 era.

Earlier this week, November’s Australian Grand Prix was cancelled while the rounds in Japan, Mexico and Brazil are all in doubt. The latter of the trio is on the Government’s red list.

Turkey, due to stage a race at Istanbul Park on October 3, and the United Arab Emirates – with Abu Dhabi hosting the final round on December 12 – are also both red-list countries.

“If we can help by having a race later in the season then we would be delighted to assist,” said Pringle.

“Formula One deserves remarkable credit that they completed 17 races last year – the only global sport to have achieved such a feat – and I hope they can complete the calendar again.

“We have not been asked, and it is not a conversation that I have prompted, but if us hosting another race gets the championship to a sensible level, then of course we will help.”

Last year’s British and 70th Anniversary Grands Prix took place behind closed doors.

During months of tense negotiations, Pringle stressed to Government officials that the circuit would have gone under if fans were kept out again.

Pringle added: “It is absolutely fair to say that, and it was a very strong motivating factor for us.

“Coming off second really was not an option.”