CIRCUIT BOSSES’ FURY AS FANS ARE BLOCKED UNTIL MID-MAY
Altered government advice locks spectators out of Britain’s tracks for another five weeks
The chiefs of MotorSport Vision, which runs five leading UK motorsport venues, have expressed anger at the latest government instructions dictating that fans will be barred from going trackside until May 17.
Initially, the roadmap from Whitehall said that non-elite sports, such as national racing, would be opened up in Step Two of the plan, which was implemented on Monday this week (April 12). However, new guidance has been issued which means MSV’s five tracks – Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Donington Park, Oulton Park and Snetterton – will not be able to welcome spectators until May 17.
An MSV statement read: “Whilst outdoor attractions like zoos and theme parks can reopen, and events such as boot fairs, steam rallies and food festivals can take place with up to 4000 visitors per day, a specific ban has been applied to spectators at sport events – even at grassroots level.
“MSV is incredibly disappointed by this development. The UK government is now actively encouraging people to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, and circuit venues are by their very nature wide-open spaces like parks, with ample room to enable social distancing across dozens of spectator viewing areas.”
Motorsport in England is set to take place behind closed doors until at least mid-May while the picture in Scotland and Wales for racing’s resumption and spectators is less clear.
MotorSport Vision, which operates several English venues, had hoped spectators could attend non-elite events after April 12. However, while certain outdoor activities can admit up to 4000 visitors from this date, sport events now have a specific spectator ban until May 17.
An MSV statement said: “MSV is incredibly disappointed by this development. The UK government is now actively encouraging people to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, and circuit venues are by their very nature wide-open spaces like parks, with ample room to enable social distancing.”
Knockhill, whose first 2021 race event is set for June 6, told Motorsport News that the Scottish Government’s approach is “very cautious” and the venue’s situation regarding readmitting spectators is “uncertain”. Knockhill hopes for more government information “in another month or so”.
The Scottish Government has however approved 12,000 people, 25% of stadium capacity, to attend Euro 2020 football matches at Hampden in June.
There has been no confirmation for Welsh racing’s resumption or spectator readmission. Pembrey circuit director Phil Davies told MN it hopes to restart racing in June: “Ourselves and Anglesey [are] just awaiting some clarification, it is very frustrating. Motorsport UK is talking to the Welsh Government but it’s not straightforward with them.”