F1 bosses hope to have fans back at Italian GP

Formula 1 is considering its first steps to normality by allowing fans to attend the Italian Grand Prix on 6 September.

The opening races of the coronavirus-hit schedule are taking place behind closed doors.

But the historic Monza circuit – host to the eighth round of this season’s truncated calendar – has been earmarked as the first venue where fans could attend.

Promoters, teams, and F1’s owners Liberty Media are keen to see the return of spectators – but they will only be allowed when it is considered safe.

Yesterday, the sport revealed no positive coronavirus tests from almost 9,000 samples of the sport’s travelling personnel over the last fortnight.

When fans do come back, they may be required to perform social distancing and wear face masks, while only a limited number would be permitted.

Tomorrow’s Styrian Grand Prix – the second race in successive weeks at the Red Bull Ring in Austria – is among ten to have now been confirmed by the sport’s bosses. The Ferrari-owned Mugello track, 25 miles away from Florence, will play host to the Italian team’s 1,000th race on 13 September.

The Russian Grand Prix has also been given the green light to take place in Sochi at the end of the same month. Organisers have confirmed they will allow spectators. The campaign is expected to end with three rounds in the Middle East – with Bahrain to host two races before the season closer in Abu Dhabi on 13 December.

F1’s owners Liberty Media remain hopeful of staging at least 15 grands prix this year, and possibly as many as 18.

Defending champion Lewis Hamilton finished only sixth in practice yesterday as he struggled to get to grips with the handling of his Mercedes.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen set the pace ahead of last week’s winner Valtteri Bottas. Brit Lando Norris, who finished third last weekend, was dealt a three-place grid penalty for overtaking under yellow flags.