Formula 1 says it has back-up venues available in case its current calendar has to be further adapted on account of the coronavirus pandemic.
Formula 1 revealed a revised calendar on Tuesday, confirming the dates and locations of its intended opening eight races, with a further update due in the coming weeks.
Races are due to be held in Austria (July 5/12), Hungary (July 19), Britain (August 2/9), Spain (August 16), Belgium (August 30) and Italy (September 6).
Formula 1 is still targeting a calendar of 15-18 races, taking in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, before concluding in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi in early-mid December.
The eight races have all been approved by the respective governments but the ever-changing nature of the pandemic means Formula 1 has back-up hosts if required.
“The situation remains fluid around the world and F1 will continue to maintain dialogue with promoters and authorities,” the series confirmed on its official website.
“If there is a need to adapt the calendar, F1 has the contingencies in place – such as other venues willing to host events – to do so.”
It is understood that Formula 1 has held discussions with Hockenheim, former venue of the German Grand Prix, over its viability to hold an event.
Formula 1 is also set to “significantly alter” its pre- and post-race ceremonies in order to ensure social distancing is maintained.
Formula 1 teams must isolate from each other and maintain social distancing, emphasising that the rules will be “strictly enforced” and any breaches will be dealt with imminently.
The championship also stressed it has “learned a lot since Australia”, with “safeguards now in place to reduce the chances of anyone infected travelling to a race.”
Paddock personnel will be regularly tested for coronavirus while accommodation and travel arrangements are being made to keep people apart.
It expected 1,200 personnel to be present in the paddock, a reduction on the usual count of 3,000-5,000, with teams limited on headcount and a substantial portion of broadcast operations remoted.
It also confirmed it will honour existing broadcast contracts, meaning as it stands only one race at Silverstone – the British Grand Prix – will be shown on free-to-air TV in the United Kingdom.
