Motorsport UK has announced how it proposes restarting competition across its eleven sporting disciplines.
Motorsport is currently suspended throughout the UK until 30 June 2020. Although it is understood there will continue to be levels of government restrictions and social distancing in place for a considerable period, Motorsport UK has been considering how to restart the sport, within the parameters set out by government and healthcare authorities.
Significant planning has taken place involving consultation with stakeholders from across the sport and Motorsport UK’s specialist committees, to conceive how the sport can be restarted at the appropriate time, while adhering to the government’s prevailing guidelines. Motorsport in Wales will be subject to separate ruling by the Welsh Government, restricting travel to events.
Motorsport, unlike many other sports, takes place in large outdoor environments, so that with practical measures in place, much of motorsport should be able to resume, provided modifications are made to many of the sport’s established protocols.
Motorsport UK CEO, Hugh Chambers said, “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.
“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.”
Motorsport UK continues to collaborate with government through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and will update its guidance, accordingly, should there be substantial changes in government advice or restrictions.