Formula One is considering holding closed races without spectators, most likely at European circuits, once the season is able to start after being put on hold by the new coronavirus pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Australian opener on March 15 was cancelled, denying Renault's Daniel Ricciardo a shot at his national race, as was May's showcase event in Monaco.
Nine races in 2020 so far have been affected with seven postponed until the French Grand Prix on June 28.
F1s motorsport managing director Ross Brawn told a Sky Sports television 'vodcast' that a season of anywhere between eight and 19 races could still be possible, even if it meant running into 2021.
"At the moment we're looking at the logistics of a closed race, how would we get the people there, how would we protect them, how would we make it safe, who would we allow into the paddock," he said.
"Every permutation is being discussed."
Last month's Bahrain Grand Prix was due to be held without spectators, a first for the sport, before it was postponed.
F1 has brought forward and extended its August break from March through to May to clear the European summer for a rescheduled calendar that could see races on successive weekends and into the New Year.
Brawn said safety and travel were big issues and a European start was most likely even if much of the continent is currently in lockdown with movement restricted as countries fight to contain the virus.
"We could have a very enclosed environment where the teams come in on charters, we channel them into the circuit, we make sure everyone's tested, cleared, there's no risk to anyone and we have a race without spectators," he added.
"That's not great, but I think it's still better than no racing at all."
Le Castellet, the French Grand Prix venue, is situated on a plateau in the south with its own airstrip, luxury hotel and few access roads.
Austria's Red Bull Ring is also a rural circuit while the British Grand Prix circuit at Silverstone is a short drive from seven of the 10 teams' headquarters.
Brawn said there was no point starting the season unless it could be kept going, with eight races the minimum necessary for a viable championship.
Brawn suggested some races, such as China, could also be condensed into two days.
Australian Associated Press
