Brawn: F1 must create a “biosphere”

The resumption of competitions is difficult to implement with the coronavirus pandemic, but several championship organizers want to take the plunge like Nascar which will organize races behind closed doors in a few weeks.

La F1 is considering a similar project by considering organizing Grands Prix behind closed doors from the month of July, particularly on the circuits of Red Bull Ring in Austria and Silverstone in Great Britain. The organizers must nevertheless eliminate any risk of spreading the virus in the paddock.

“We are working on the needs necessary to operate in a safe environment, confided Ross Brawn. The logistical challenge will be major, but we will take no risks if it is done correctly. This will unfortunately have to be done without the public, which is regrettable, but fans will at least be able to follow the races on TV and through other broadcast channels. »

F1 needs to relaunch its activities, not only to maintain public interest but also for the financial health of its participants.

“It’s important to try and get the season underway for many reasons, added Ross Brawn. The impatience of fans must be satisfied as they are frustrated by so much delay. An exciting season is ahead. It is also a livelihood for thousands of people. »

If the races will be contested behind closed doors, the F1 paddock will also have to ensure that it operates in a healthy space. The organizers will therefore have to provide themselves with medical tests in order to avoid reproducing the situation experienced in Melbourne, when the Australian GP had to be canceled at the last minute following positive cases of coronavirus detected in the team. McLaren.

“One of the logistical challenges will be that everyone can be tested to enter the paddock. We will then have to keep all the people in this environment and have this biosphere that we want to create for another race., confirmed the man from Liberty Media. It will also be tricky to find which races can offer this environment. Austria fits these criteria well. It has a local airport near the circuit which is far from a metropolis. »

F1 could hold two consecutive races on the Red Bull Ring on July 5 and 12 before traveling to Silverstone. The Hungaroring in Hungary also seems to be in the running to host one or more events, only behind closed doors.