While he admits it ‘’will not be easy’’ to start the season at the Red Bull Ring (if as expected the French Grand Prix is postponed), Helmet Marko is ‘’hopeful’’ for a solution to start the season at the Spielberg circuit in July.  

It was announced on Thursday that outdoor sports events (with social distancing measures) are set to resume in Austria from May 1st.  

In quotes attributed to aipsmedia, Marko said: ‘’It will not be easy, but we are ready to start the Formula 1 season 2020 in July in Spielberg. It will be the question about travel of all teams and drivers. I hope we find a solution to start the season in my home country.’’ 

According to the organisers, they will ‘’need three weeks to prepare the Grand Prix.” 

Werner Kogler, the Austrian Minister of Sports and Vice-Chancellor: “I can imagine that Spielberg can organise the Grand Prix in July. Only if the coronavirus situation does not get bad again.” 

Marko added: “Close to the circuit there is a small airport, Zeltweg, where we can bring charter flights. The question is: will all the people, including drivers, staff and media be tested for the COVID-19? And will they all get the travel rights?”  

He’s also proposed a potential double-header, including a midweek race: “We can make the first Grand Prix on Sunday and a second one the following Wednesday.” 

The 76-year-old told Motorsport.com: "The Formula 1 community is afraid of being infected and wants to isolate itself as much as possible.’’ 

"At the same time that's good, because the population is also afraid of being infected. Everyone is afraid and therefore everyone will be extremely careful." 

"Formula 2, Formula 3 and Porsche Supercup should be part of it [the schedule]. "This is a message to the sport. 

"I don't know whether TV will miss background stories that will not be possible due to the strict regulations, but maybe we can broadcast support races instead of them."