No quarantine exemption puts British Grand Prix at risk

Formula One's hopes of hosting two races at Silverstone were dealt a blow as elite sport was t handed any exemption to UK government's plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for those entering country. measures will be introduced from June 8 to help curb spre of coronavirus, but will reviewed every three weeks meaning an agreement could still be found in time for two races at Silverstone to go ahe in July. F1 stressed need earlier this week for a quarantine exemption by highlighting impact new rules will have on "tens of thousands of jobs linked to F1 and supply chains."

quarantine exemption puts British Grand Prix at risk

However, Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle is hopeful that an agreement can be reached that allows both races to go ahe.

"I am very clear that importance of industry is understood by government," he told Sky Sports.

"So I remain optimistic that a sensible and pragmatic solution, which puts onus on sport quite rightly to come up with right solution, can be found." Seven of 10 teams on Formula One grid have bases in England.

"This isn't just 90 minutes of an exciting sporting race. This is about getting an industry back to work," ded Pringle.

"This is about 40-plus thousand people's livelihoods being ignited.

" racing is at very top of pinnacle. Formula 1 is absolutely top of motorsport tree, it's bit that we see and it's most visible bit.

"But it is stand-bearer for this industry and it's about getting an industry started again." F1 organisers are hoping to start season with Austrian Grand Prix on July 5 behind closed doors, followed by a second race at Red Bull Ring a week later.

It was hoped Silverstone could n host two races in back-to-back weekends, also behind closed doors. "We have been working closely with government on implications of policy for Formula 1 and Silverstone and those discussions are ongoing at this time with aim of finding a solution with safety as our first priority," an F1 spokesman told AFP on Friday. quarantine restrictions could also have a major impact on participation of British sides in European football competition. Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Wolves and Rangers are all still involved in kckout sts of Champions League or Europa League. UEFA is planning for both competitions to be finished in August once domestic seasons have been completed. 

Im credits: Twitter / PA