Silverstone hope to get the go-ahead for capacity 140,000 crowd at the British Grand Prix next month despite race taking place the day BEFORE Government’s ‘Freedom Day’
- Silverstone bosses want the UK Government decision by the end of the week
- The race will take place on July 18, the day before the latest ‘Freedom Day’
- Best-attended sports event in Britain underpins a £2billion-a-year industry
Silverstone bosses have told the Government they need to know by the end of the week whether the British Grand Prix can welcome a capacity 140,000 crowd.
The race will take place on July 18, the day before the latest ‘Freedom Day’ put forward by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this week.
Organisers are progressing on the basis they will be allowed to fill the Northamptonshire circuit.
Lewis Hamilton celebrates with fans after winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2019
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the new ‘Freedom Day’ would now be July 19 – the day before the British Grand Prix is due to be hosted at its traditional Silverstone race circuit
But a source close to the negotiations said: ‘Silverstone have explained they need to know what is happening in the next few days to sort everything out in time.
‘They are making the case that the survival of their business hinges on the size of the crowd after last year’s race was cancelled.’
It is understood that double vaccinations or a lateral flow test within 24 hours of entry will be prerequisites of attending the grand prix, which is normally the best-attended sports event in Britain and underpins a £2billion-a-year industry.