Promoter Russian GP: "An audience does not pose any additional risk to the teams"

F1 News

27 August 2020 at 11:22
  • GPblog.com

The first six races took place behind closed doors to eliminate any risk of spreading the coronavirus. Also the upcoming races will not be open to the public, but afterwards there is a chance that a small group will be admitted. This was also the case at the Russian Grand Prix, which immediately caused some concerns. This is now defended by the organization of the race.

Concerned teams

"According to our information, several teams are concerned about this and fear for the health of their crews," reports Bild am Sonntag, quoted by Grandpx.news. But the organization of the Russian Grand Prix is not really worried about this because they will do everything they can to have Formula 1 operate in their own bubble.

"I don’t quite understand how admitting spectators to the stands will create additional risks for the teams and the team members," begins promoter Alexey Titov, "No spectator will enter the paddock or the pitlane. In that sense it will be exactly as it was at the other races."

In other words, Formula 1 will be strictly separated from all spectators, so the two groups won't get close to each other. "The risks of coming into contact with people outside of Formula 1 are very clearly spelled out in the FIA regulations, including the prohibition of team members from leaving their rooms during their stay in hotels."

Finally, Titov says they are very interested in ticket sales and hope to make it a success. "We are confident that the Russian GP will be one of the best and most beautiful events of the year."