Brawn keen on double-header

Plans to open season with two races in Austria outlined

Formula One managing director Ross Brawn has outlined plans for the sport to resume in an isolated environment and suggested it could begin with a doubleheader at Austria’s Red Bull Ring in early July.

Following yesterday’s announcement that the Hungarian Grand Prix will take place behind closed doors if it goes ahead at the start of August, Brawn said the sport is drawing up detailed plans to ensure races can be staged safely amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s a massive logistical challenge,” Brawn said on the official F1 Nation podcast. “Running an F1 race is a big challenge anyway. Running an F1 race in these circumstances is new to all of us.

“We’re working our way through all the requirements to make sure we operate in a safe environment for everyone involved in the race.”

Earlier this week, F1’s chief executive Chase Carey outlined plans to start the season with the Austrian Grand Prix on

July 5 and Brawn said the characteristics of Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring – located two hours south-west of Vienna – meant it could host back-to-back races.

“It’s a real consideration because one of the logistical challenges is getting everyone tested and cleared to enter the paddock and enter the racing environment,” he said.

“And I think once we do that, it’s very attractive to keep everyone in that environment, within that kind of biosphere that we want to create for another race.

“It’s also pretty challenging to find the right sort of races early on where we can control the environment well enough.

“Austria fits that bill very well. It’s got a local airport right next to the circuit, where people can charter planes into. It’s not too close to a metropolis, it has a great infrastructure around it.

“There will be a full catering facility laid on that the circuit has. So we can basically contain everyone within that environment. Therefore once we’re there, it’s appealing to have another race the following week.”

At a time when a number of Formula One teams have furloughed staff, Brawn argued it was important for the season to get going.

“There are many reasons for wanting to start the season,” he said.

“One is obviously to excite the fans, who have all been frustrated by the delays. We’ve got a very exciting season in front of us. But it’s a very important livelihood for thousands of people, it’s another reason for trying to kickstart the season.”

F1 officials are drawing up a revised calendar with the goal of staging between 15 and 18 races this year. So far 10 Grands Prix have either been postponed or cancelled.

Picture: Shutterstock. F1 managing director Ross Brawn argues that it is important to get racing up and running again.