Austria does not close the door to holding a GP behind closed doors

As uncertainty continues to hover over the opening of the 2020 season of Formula 1 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Austria announced through its Minister of Sports and Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler that the country was not opposed to holding an event on its territory, provided that the The event takes place without spectators. 

The Austrian Grand Prix currently occupies 2nd place in a more than provisional 2020 program. It is located behind France, whose the position has been very weakened since Emmanuel Macron's announcements on Monday evening and the ban on large gatherings in France until at least mid-July. 

« We don't want to block, Kogler responded this Wednesday after being asked if the Austrian government would prevent the GP from being held, in comments reported by Reuters. The vice-chancellor spoke at a press conference, while Austria has begun a gradual deconfinement in recent days. 

The Minister of Sports also specified that the potential organization should include the implementation of physical distancing measures and other barrier gestures. However, he acknowledged that travel restrictions for F1 personnel, whose contingent numbers around a thousand, would continue to pose logistical concerns. Without forgetting the teams from the additional championships: F2, F3, and Porsche Supercup.

« I don't want to comment on whether there will need to be exemptions here and there., concluded Kogler. The situation must be studied in light of the entry and exit restrictions currently in force. ». 

Ross Brawn, F1 sporting director, declared last week that the FOM was aiming, in the best case scenario, for a season opening at the beginning of July, probably in Europe and behind closed doors.