Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says that an Austrian Grand Prix raced behind closed doors in July will be the blueprint for other circuits and motorsport series to follow in order to get racing back up and running.
The FIA have already confirmed they are planning to hold a season-opening race at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg on July 5, though any details concerning what a revised calendar will look like after the Austrian race have not been stated.
What has been confirmed however, is that both Formula 2 and 3 will likely join the top-tier series for the start of their own seasons.
If a race does go ahead it will be held with zero spectators and minimal team personnel. One could also expect to have Covid-19 screens done before entering the venue.
Speaking with Motorsport.com, Horner says both the circuit and event organisers are continually working with the local government to ensure a race does go ahead, and one that will set the tone for the rest of a truncated season.
“Red Bull are really committed to getting the championship off the ground,” said Horner. “They have put in huge effort to get the race under way in Austria.
“It’s a circuit that’s owned by Red Bull, so it’s obviously within their control, but they’re working with the local authorities and the government.
“Of course, the screening and testing and the restrictions that are going to be in place are going to be pretty draconian, but if it allows the sport to start up again, I think it will be a blueprint for other circuits to follow.”
Horner also went on to explain what the likely restrictions may look like from a team’s perspective once they were to arrive at the circuit.
“I think when we do get going again, it’s going to be like creating a tight group of people, probably less than 80 people within a team, and they’re all going to have to stay in the same hotel, they’re all going to have to travel together, and they are not going to be able to interface with other teams.
“So, there’s going to be some quite strict restrictions. I’m sure there’s gonna be a lot of testing, a lot of screening, and we won’t be interacting with the local community as well.
“I think that there are going to be procedures in place that are designed to protect most of the competitors, and also take the necessary precautions for the hosts of these races as well, so it’s not going to be a standard Grand Prix format by any shape or form.”
Source: motorsport.com
