Silverstone seeks green light

BRITISH GRAND PRIX IS FLEXIBLE ON RACE DATES AS GOVERNMENT MOVES TO GIVE QUARANTINE CLARITY

SILVERSTONE has revealed talks over securing a crucial exemption to quarantine rules are progressing well, with prime minister Boris Johnson reportedly determined to ensure two grands prix go ahead in the UK this summer.

The circuit’s managing director Stuart Pringle says discussions with the government will ‘take a few weeks’ but he remains optimistic about the outcome. He is hoping Silverstone can stage back-to-back Formula One races on two weekends in July or August.

But, in order to do so, there would need to be an exemption to impending government rules on a quarantine designed to limit imported cases of Covid-19. Sports personnel travelling from abroad will be required to isolate for 14 days on arrival, unless any exemptions are granted.

And that could be the case as it

I don’t think it will be a problem finding dates for two races

liaising with government but I am encouraged there is progress,’ said Pringle (pictured). ‘It will take a few weeks for the way to become clear but it definitely feels we are moving in the right direction.’

Pringle says there is flexibility on the dates for staging the Silverstone races, in which – if given the go-ahead – Lewis Hamilton will be looking to add to his record six British Grand Prix wins.

‘We have got our original dates in mid to late July but we have got a degree of flexibility in August. I don’t think it will be a problem finding dates for two races.

‘What we need is the green light from government and that will take time. For Silverstone, we can probably move into August but it is essential there is clarity on the quarantine situation.’