British Grand Prix given the nod as F1 adds two new dates

Two races at Silverstone next month have been given the go-ahead after Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden eased restrictions on sporting events in the UK.

Silverstone will host two races on August 2 and August 9 as rounds four and five of the F1 2020 season. And the calendar was also given a huge boost with two new races added to the current schedule, with Russian venue Sochi willing to host on September 27, while the cars will race around Italian circuit Mugello for the first time on September 13.

“We want to thank the promoters, national authorities, the teams and the FIA for their hard work and support in making these Grands Prix possible,” said Formula 1 in a statement, “and know our fans will be delighted to see Russia host its seventh race at the Sochi Autodrom and see Formula 1 cars race for the first time at exciting Mugello circuit in Italy.”

With the Northamptonshire track given the nod, the circuit's museum The Silverstone Experience will also re-open on July 20.

The news of the eased restrictions on sporting events, as well as film and high-end television industries, was welcomed by the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Chairman Andrew M. Smith said: “We are delighted the Government’s has listened to our request to allow selected sporting events such as the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and production on some of the biggest film and television productions at Pinewood to get underway safely this summer, which will be a major boost for our county and local economy.”

“Film and the Formula One are key contributors to the UK’s prosperity and will be a vital part of the post pandemic recovery both nationally and locally.”