Silverstone has been given the green light to host two Formula 1 Grands Prix behind closed doors later this year.
Circuit management and F1 owners Liberty Media had been in the unusual situation where the circuit’s hosting fee was replaced by a deal where the sport will cover the costs of running the event.
It was especially important for Silverstone to not be compelled to paying the usual hosting fee considering neither of the two races it is set to hold will be open to the general public and thus not generating sufficient revenue.
However, as reported by motorsport.com, a deal has now been agreed and both parties are in the process of finalising the details.
“I am delighted to confirm that Silverstone and F1 have reached an agreement in principle to host two races behind closed doors this summer,” Silverstone boss Stuart Pringle told Motorsport.com.
“However these races will be subject to Government approval, as our priority is the safety of all involved and strict compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
“I would like to thank all our fans who have been so supportive throughout this and to assure them we are determined to do all we can to help F1 put on a show this summer.”
The original British Grand Prix was slated for July 19, but a revised doubleheader round will likely have the races rescheduled to July 26 and August 2.
The July 19 date will therefore pave way for the Red Bull Ring in Austria to host a second round of the world championship in what is expected as a doubleheader Austrian Grand Prix to launch the season.
Further positive news for the sport is the Belgian Government has approved for the staging of a race behind closed doors despite a ban on mass events running until August.