Marko's doing everything he can; preys on licensed military airfield

If we are to believe Helmut Marko, the Red Bull Ring is ready to receive the Formula 1 at the beginning of July. The Austrian is also currently working on a permit for a military airfield so that the teams can land close to the track, further reducing the risk of contamination.

"We're already ready, even though it would have been possible for us to start preparing only three weeks before the first weekend," says Marko in conversation with Auto Bild. In the German medium, Red Bull Racing's advisor hints that anyone who is needed at the Formula 1 paddock has to stay in an Austrian hotel near the track for two weeks.

Teams are not allowed to leave Spielberg

If everything goes according to plan a Grand Prix will be organized on July 5 and July 12 in Spielberg. "The Thursday after the first weekend, there will be room again on the circuit for the team meetings. The Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before that, everyone of the teams will have to enjoy themselves and stay in their respective hotels", said Marko who sees no other option. "Without it just doesn't work."

To enter the circuit in Austria you have to be tested negative for the corona virus. According to the 77-year-old man from Graz, it would be far too expensive and complicated to test everyone several times in those two weeks, so everyone has limited freedom of movement. According to the former Formula 1 driver there is only one thing left to prevent the Austrian Grand Prix. "That is if the number of infected people increases drastically again in the coming weeks."

Marko's working on a permit

According to Marko, charter planes from England (e.g. for Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Point) and Italy (Alpha Tauri, Ferrari, Pirelli) are expected to land at Graz airport or at the military airfield in Zeltweg. The airport of Graz is located fifty kilometres from the Red Bull Ring, while the Zeltweg runway is only five kilometres from the circuit. Marko is currently working on a special permit for the military airfield, so that civil aircraft will be allowed to land for the duration of the two race weekends.