Government officials have approved plans to hold two Formula 1 races at the Red Bull Ring. Austrian Grand Prix given the green light by government officials.

Government officials have approved plans to hold two Formula 1 Grands Prix at the Red Bull Ring, as the Austrian Grand Prix has been given the all clear. This means that the 2020 Formula 1 season will begin on July 5 in Spielberg, with a second race following seven days later at the same venue.

Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast at the beginning of May, Formula 1 managing director motorsports Ross Brawn spoke of a plan to introduce a ‘biosphere’, with minimal travel in or out of the venue.

“One of the logistical challenges is getting everyone tested and cleared to enter the paddock and enter the racing environment, and I think once we do that, it’s very attractive to keep everyone in that environment, within that kind of biosphere that we want to create for another race,” said Brawn. “It’s also pretty challenging to find the right sort of races early on where we can control the environment well enough.

“Austria fits that bill very well. It’s got a local airport right next to the circuit, where people can charter planes into. It’s not too close to a metropolis, it has a great infrastructure around it. There will be no motorhomes, but there will be full catering facility laid on that the circuit has. We can basically contain everyone within that environment. Therefore, once we’re there, it’s appealing to have another race the following week.” – he concluded.