Formula 1 is groping towards a new start. The first dates for the trunk calendar are set - but what should happen after the shortened tour through Europe? Does Hockenheim still have a chance?
Berlin (AP) - In the emergency calendar for the Corona season, Formula 1 is also preparing for further race cancellations. The racing series "provided for alternatives, including other routes that are available as hosts," it said after the announcement of the first eight dates for the shortened World Cup.
These replacement plans would apply "if the calendar needs to be adjusted". For the time being, Formula 1 wants to start with eight races on six courses in Europe, later Grand Prix on other continents will follow. However, it is uncertain whether the global pandemic situation allows overseas races.
What about the idea of a replacement race in Germany?
The Hockenheimring is still available as a possible host for a World Cup run. "If a situation arises that there is a need again, we will see whether it is feasible," said Managing Director Jorn Teske of the German Press Agency. "However, we are not compelling our plans to have to hold a Formula 1 race now," added Teske.
Where do you drive - as of now - at all?
It starts with two races in Spielberg, Austria on July 5th and 12th. This is followed by stops in Budapest (July 19), twice Silverstone (August 2 and 9), Barcelona (August 16), Spa-Francorchamps (August 30) and Monza (September 6). "July / August is off the table," said Hockenheim Managing Director Teske. In discussions with the Formula 1 managers, the course bosses had always made it clear that Ring-GmbH should not incur any financial losses if they stepped in.
And what will happen after the European tour?
Only the races in Australia, Monaco and the Netherlands are really canceled. But the hope of the guest performances originally planned for autumn in Russia, the United States, Mexico and Brazil currently seems rather daring with regard to the infection events in these countries and the quarantine regulations for entry and return home. Races like the one in Montreal, Canada, which was supposed to be held on June 14, may have to be canceled due to the weather in autumn. The chances of catching up on the appearances in China and Vietnam and the Grand Prix in Japan seem to be greater. All of them could take place in October. Formula 1 wants to end its season with a double pack in Bahrain on December 6 and Abu Dhabi on December 13.
What do the drivers say?
According to those responsible for Formula 1, there is broad agreement among the drivers. The drivers' union GPDA had been initiated into the plans in detail. "The meeting was very positive and there was full support and confidence in the plans," it said. The governments of the European countries in which the first eight World Cup races are to be contested had also agreed.
What will be different in the races?
There will be no spectators on the European routes. The so-called "Paddock Club" for VIP guests remains closed, usually 3000 people are received there. Instead of up to 5000 employees, only 1200 employees from the racing series are allowed to the routes. Of the more than 250 television employees, only 60 are admitted, the rest are supposed to secure the transmissions remotely. The processes along the route will also be changed in such a way that a distance of two meters between everyone involved can be maintained as often as possible. Therefore, there should also be new regulations for the ceremonies before and after each Grand Prix.
Formula 1 information to restart the season
Preliminary racing calendar 2020
Events at the Hockenheimring
Formula 1 framework program 2020
