The British GP marshals are OK with the intentions of F1 to start the 2020 season amid COVID-19 pandemic but are concerned about the risks involved.
At present, the idea is to start the 2020 season behind closed doors in Austria with a back-to-back races and followed it up with a similar format in United Kingdom. A robust system is targeted which is being said to be a ‘biosphere’ within the paddock itself.
As per Ross Brawn, limited personnel will be allowed and they will be tested regularly. They will have set guidelines for social distancing with no motorhomes and teams to not mingle with rival outfits. There will be a set hotel as well for everyone to be together.
Despite all the steps, it depends heavily on the respective Government to allow it to happen. The big risk as per British GP marshals is in case of an incident, where F1 drivers may need hospital support, which already is in huge demand due to COVID-19.
They feel, it is adding strain on an already strained sector. “We did a couple of rallies before lockdown but then decided we wouldn’t attend race meetings – we just thought it wasn’t the responsible thing to do,” said British GP marshal Carolyn Doyle to The Gaurdian.
“People we spoke to had similar feelings. As much as we want to get back to it we recognise what is the responsible decision, even if it is not the desired decision. I would feel very uncomfortable if there was an incident and a driver was taken to a hospital.
“Even a driver with a minor injury that requires medical attention is an unnecessary burden on the health system at the moment. We all want to get back to racing, we all miss it, but it seems a slightly unnecessary risk.
“A lot of fellow marshals work in the NHS and it doesn’t seem fair to put any more on them.” At the same time fiance Keith Bond added about difficulties in social distancing: “On post it is possible to socially distance and marshal.
“It would be easy to stand two metres apart. But we couldn’t socially distance if we were dealing with an incident and we needed to be close together. If that was needed we would just get on with it, that is what we are there for.”
At the moment, things are unclear with regards to the marshals, who have to be counted among the teams and drivers as they are essential part in a F1 grand prix weekend. The report, though, added that discussions are on with Silverstone and the Government.
Aside the races like British GP, the bigger issue will be rounds like Azerbaijan GP and few other flyaway races, where marshals from various countries fly in to support their events. With the mandatory quarantine rule, it will be a difficult task overall.
Here’s the letter sent by FIA to F1 teams
Here’s what Ross Brawn said regarding budget cap and 2020 plans
Here’s what Bernie Ecclestone stated on various topics
Here’s latest on what F1 is planning for 2020