Podium ceremonies must respect social-distancing rules under new guidelines
BTCC
Racing will return in Britain with socially-distanced podium ceremonies and extended pitstops to sanitise cars when driver changes are needed.
Teams will be encouraged to avoid sharing tools and equipment, and cars may be inspected by video at some events.
But co-drivers will not be permitted for now, which will limit rallies to timed trials at single venue where spectators can be excluded.
New guidelines have been published by Motorsport UK, which governs four-wheeled racing in the country, outlining how organisers should run events and maintain restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Competitors will be encouraged to bring first aid kits to treat minor injuries, to reduce contact with staff in the medical centre, and pit areas will need regular sanitisation.
Driver changes will have to be unaided and competitors will need to sanitise their cars
British GT
Circuits are already opening up for testing and the suspension of race events permits ends at the beginning of July. Major national series, including the British Touring Car Championship and British GT, are planning to begin their season on the first weekend of August.
August 1 is looking to be the date when British motor sport bursts back to life, after the British GT Championship announced that its season will start with a double-header…
However, it is not known whether spectators will be able to attend. Organisers are waiting on the government to define the size and scale of social gatherings that may be permitted this summer.
The Motorsport UK guidelines focus on measures that will be needed to protect marshals, officials, competitors and team personnel.
They warn that “significant changes” will be needed by event organisers to ensure that events can run safely, and the guidelines will need to be adapted for each meeting. Circuits will need to confirm compliance with the Covid-19 guidance to obtain a permit to hold races.
Every event will need to decide how they use the guidelines. The measures include the following:
All marshals, officials and competitors will have to declare that they have no coronavirus symptoms and have not been in contact with anyone who may have displayed these symptoms in the previous 14 days.
Further guidance is expected on emergency medical incidents.
“This project has involved a wide representation of the motorsport community coming together and examining how each aspect of every discipline can be adapted to respect government advice on social distancing, and the broader needs of the community,” said Motorsport UK CEO, Hugh Chambers.
“As ever with Motorsport, our responsibility is to the safety of both our community and the wider public. It is important that when we do restart motorsport that we do so in a safe and responsible fashion that respects the broader public health agenda and mood of the nation.
“We will all need to modify the way we have worked in the past and accept these changes in a collaborative and constructive way. Motorsport has always thrived on innovation and adaptability to overcome problems, and it has been enormously encouraging to see the community come together and freely contributing to re-imagine every part of our sport, and the practicalities of each event.”
