Silverstone's director says the track is open to the possibility of hosting several Formula 1 races in 2020
It is still unknown whether the British Grand Prix will take place this year, but Silverstone said the track is ready to host more than one race in the current season.
Due to the COVID–19 outbreak, Formula 1 has already lost 8 races of the season 2020 that has not yet begun. At the moment, the question of holding the British Grand Prix is particularly acute: before the end of April, it is necessary to determine whether the race will take place at Silverstone.
Many major sporting events scheduled for the summer in Britain, such as the Wimbledon, have already been cancelled. However, the management of Silverstone has a whole month to solve the situation with the British race, during which there can be positive changes in the world.
Despite the uncertain future with the Grand Prix, Silverstone's managing director Stuart Pringle has stated that they are willing to run more than one race on their track if it helps Formula 1.
"All I've done is say to Formula 1 we are willing to work with them in any way, shape or form that they think is in the best interest of the championship," Stuart Pringle said to Sky Sports News.
"The majority of the teams are within a stone's throw of the circuit, so operationally, it would be pretty straightforward [to host multiple races]. We've got fixed infrastructure; the staff could go home to their own beds in an evening for the large part.
"If that's how we can help then I'm very pleased, I'd be delighted to do that. We'll do whatever's asked of us."
In addition, the idea of changing the direction of the track for the second race, if it takes place, was announced. Pringle said at the moment Silverstone does not have permission to run the race in the opposite direction, however, he does not see this as a problem and believes the situation is solvable.
"It's not such a silly thought," the director said.
"We're not licensed to run the other way, but these are extraordinary times, and I guess that extraordinary decisions are being made.
"Nothing's off the table, but equally, let's see what the next four weeks look like. It's difficult for Formula 1, they're not just looking at what's going on in Great Britain, they're looking at what's going on around the world and how their travel arrangements have to fit in."
