F1’S DELAYED START HAS A SILVER LINING

FORMULA ONE have confirmed Silverstone will hold back-to-back races in August as part of a plan to hold eight races in 10 weeks.

A bumper schedule in Europe has now been ratified, starting with a double-header in Austria next month, with all races behind closed doors.

There were doubts over a British Grand Prix taking place after the Government last month announced a 14-day quarantine for overseas arrivals.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stepped in to give F1 an exemption.

The first of the two races at Silverstone will be held as the British Grand Prix.

Silverstone this year marked the 70th anniversary of hosting the first world championship race and has held a grand prix every year since F1 began in 1950.

And to pay tribute to that landmark the second race at the home of the British GP will be called the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

F1 CEO Chase Carey (inset) said: “We are pleased to be able to set out our opening eight-race calendar and look forward to publishing our full calendar in the coming weeks.

“While we currently expect the season to commence without fans at our races, we hope that over the coming months the situation will allow us to welcome them back once it is safe to do, but we know the return of F1 will be a welcome boost to sports fans around the world.”

It is understood officials are attempting to hold 16 races this season. Revised 2020 calendar.

July 5:

August 2:

August 9:

12:

July 19:

September 6:

July

August 16:

August 30: