Silverstone prepared to offer “full refund” should Grand Prix be cancelled

Silverstone’s managing director, Stuart Pringle, has said that they are doing all they “possibly can” to ensure the Formula 1 and MotoGP race will go ahead in the summer, but that a “full refund” will be offered if that are cancelled.

The outbreak of Covid-19 across the globe has caused havoc for sporting events with F1 postponing/cancelling its first seven races.

Bahrain, Vietnam, China, Netherlands and Spain have all been postponed, while Australia and Monaco have been cancelled, making Azerbaijan the potential start to the 2020 season.

The British Grand Prix comes four rounds later in July and Pringle insists plans are in place to host events there in the summer.

A statement released from Silverstone read: “This week, it has been announced by the sports’ governing bodies that all motorsport has been suspended in the UK to the end of April 2020 to support the British Government in its efforts to contain the spread of this virus,” said Pringle.

“Many of you have booked tickets for our events later this summer including the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix and MotoGP and I fully appreciate you want to understand if these events will take place.

“However, I can wholeheartedly promise you that everyone at Silverstone, Formula 1 and MotoGP are doing all they possibly can to ensure we can run these events on their planned dates in July (F1) and August (MotoGP).

“In fact, as Formula 1’s CEO Chase Carey has stated, Formula 1 and the FIA do not expect to begin the Championship in Europe until after May although this is regularly being reviewed.

“I would like to reassure our fans that, should we be forced to cancel either Grand Prix, all customers who have purchased a ticket will be given the option of a full refund.

“We will, of course, continue to keep you updated as the situation in the UK evolves and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and patience in what is an extremely difficult time for everyone.”