Brawn: Two races on one circuit "is very attractive"
F1 News
- GPblog.com
With the postponement and cancellation of races due to coronavirus measures, Formula 1 has to look for an alternative way to fill the calendar. A much mentioned option is now multiple races on the same track. For example, the season will most likely start on July 5 in Austria with another race a week later. The managing director of Formula 1, Ross Brawn, is definitely in favour of that. In his eyes it is very attractive because of the challenges.
Logistical challenge
In the new Formula 1 podcast Brawn has confirmed that Formula 1 is looking at multiple double races on one circuit. Austria is one circuit of this and Silverstone is also still in the running for a double race. The logistical challenges of Formula 1 are therefore somewhat limited and that is attractive for the parties and people involved.
"It’s a real consideration because one of the logistical challenges is getting everyone tested and cleared to enter the paddock, to enter the racing environment. I think once we do that it’s very attractive to keep everyone in that environment, within that biosphere, for another race."
"It’s also pretty challenging to find the right races early on where we can control the environment well enough." In that context, Austria is very suitable for a double race, says Brawn. "It has a local airport, it's not close to a big city and it has the right infrastructure."
“We can basically contain everyone within that environment and therefore once we’re there it’s appealing to have another race the following week.”
New for F1
The situation as it is now is unique for many, including Formula 1. Because of this, the sport is facing great challenges and they are trying to find the right way in. It is important at all times that safety is guaranteed for everyone. But at the same time the start of the season is also very important.
“We’re working our way through all the requirements to make sure we operate in a safe environment for the drivers, engineers, technicians, for everyone involved, and we put on the right show.
“It’s important to get the season going, for many reasons, one is obviously to excite the fans, we’ve all been frustrated by the delays and it’s also a very important livelihood for thousands of people”