General

Police warn fans: "Visiting Silverstone puts the season in jeopardy"

29 June 2020 at 17:59
  • GPblog.com

After the three races in Austria and Hungary, Formula 1 will travel to Great Britain for a double race at Silverstone. Also for those races there will be no public attendance and Formula 1 will travel in a stripped down form, which means there will be less staff present. To make sure that people do not come to the circuit after all, the police have sent out a general message.

Protect

Northamptonshire police have insisted not to meet at the circuit. Should this happen, it could be a danger for the entire Formula 1 season. The police have taken "strict and robust measures" to protect the "race personnel and the local community", they say by means of an official statement.

"Any uncontrolled gatherings of people in the area would not only compromise the event but the entire Formula 1 season." The Superintendent, Dennis Murray, understands the tendency, but strongly advises to stay at home: "We completely understand fans may be tempted to be close to the circuit for the races but unfortunately that will not be possible this year and access to the local area will be extremely restricted."

"I am urging fans to enjoy these events from home as it will not be permissible, or in fact possible, to spectate from the perimeter fences. Anybody attempting to do so will be turned away by Silverstone security who will be tightly controlling these areas, or my officers. Though the races are being held behind closed doors, the security measures we are putting in place will be as stringent as ever."

Don't come

Also Stuart Pringle, the manager of the circuit, comes with the same message: "The British Formula 1 fans are the most passionate in the world but we ask that they do not attempt to travel to the Silverstone area over these first two weekends in August."

Any chance of the coronavirus spreading must be limited and fans can contribute by staying at home: "2020 is unique and so many sacrifices have already been made by so many, however, as a motorsport community, we must work together to avoid compromising the Formula 1 season and to help Silverstone protect its neighbours", said Pringle.