All eyes on Austria as F1 season set to start in Spielberg

posted:

03/06/2020

After a delay of close to four months – with the opening Grand Prix in Australia cancelled due to the ongoing global situation – the 2020 Formula 1 season is to begin at the Red Bull Ring.

2020’s Formula One racing will start with two historic firsts – Austria will host the opening race of an F1 season for the first time, and two races will be held at the same circuit on consecutive weekends. The Formula 1 Rolex Großer Preis von Österreich is to open the season on July 5, while the Formula 1 Pirelli Großer Preis der Steiermark is to follow on July 12.

The measures introduced to combat the pandemic mean another first is needed. For the first time a Formula One race will take place without any fans. Millions of motorsport fans around the world have the opportunity to follow both races at the Red Bull Ring via TV and online though. After months without any major international sport events, all eyes will be on Austria.

Chase Carey, CEO of Formula 1, has stressed the importance of the restart, saying: "It’s an exciting time as Formula One returns and we are delighted to be starting the season in Austria with two races. We have a superb partner in the Red Bull Ring and we are working together to bring F1 back for fans in the safest possible way. While we are looking forward to commencing the excitement on track it is also an important time to remember what else we can do as an international sport for the communities we visit as well as celebrating the incredible acts of kindness shown by thousands of people around the world in response to the COVID-19 crisis.”

Dietrich Mateschitz says: “We take on this challenge unique in the history of F1, and we are looking forward to both weekends. Spielberg will see exciting races – and therefore send a strong sign of feasibility to the whole world.”

With conditions in place that were unthinkable a few months ago, the organisers have needed to take a totally new approach. Projekt Spielberg has developed a concept for hosting the races together with the FIA and the Formula 1 Group. Regular testing, comprehensive hygiene measures and the reduction in the size of the racing teams and the F1 organisational staff are focal points of the concept, which is designed to protect the health of all the people at the racing circuit as well as in the wider region.

Ticket sales for the Austrian GP 2020 are closed. Fans who have already bought tickets will be informed of their options in detail by their ticket provider.

Updated 2020 F1 calendar - further races to be announced in the coming weeks:

3-5 July - Austria