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New UK travel restrictions end hopes of twin Silverstone Grands Prix

The UK’s new travel restrictions are set to have a direct impact on sport.  From June 8, people trav...


New UK travel restrictions end...

Sport

New UK travel restrictions end hopes of twin Silverstone Grands Prix


The UK’s new travel restrictions are set to have a direct impact on sport. 

From June 8, people travelling to Britain from countries other than Ireland will have to self-isolate for two weeks. 

Two planned Grand Prix for Silverstone in July must almost certainly find new homes. 

While European Tour golf is hoping to resume with the British Masters on July 23rd.

Elite sportspeople are not exempt from the new measures announced by UK foreign secretary, Priti Patel.

Silverstone had been hoping to host the British Grand Prix on July 26, followed by another race on August 2.

Despite intense lobbying, Formula One officials have so far failed to secure exemption from the British government to bypass their isolation rules.

The new guidelines are to be reviewed after three weeks.

Speaking before Patel's announcement, Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle was maintaining hope.

"It's a very complex sport to get going because it's a global championship with a huge logistical tail", he told Sky Sports.

"So Formula 1 does need to know that it can set off on its global travel and be able to come in and out of its home base.

"I am very clear that the importance of the industry is understood by government.

"I remain very optimistic that they will find a way. I'm very, very conscious that it's extremely complicated drafting these things and working up against ever-moving deadlines - it's not a task I'd wish to undertake.

"So I remain optimistic that a sensible and pragmatic solution, which puts the onus on the sport quite rightly to come up with the right solution, can be found."

Patel's new measures could also impinge on the European Tour's hopes of a return at Close House.

The Newcastle course has been earmarked to stage the British Masters on July 23, kickstarting a month-long 'festival of golf' in the UK.

Events at the Forest of Arden, Hanbury Manor and Celtic Manor have also been lined up.



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European Tour Formula One Priti Patel

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