Belgium Government give the green light for GP

Organisers of the Belgian Grand Prix have been given the go-ahead from the government to host their scheduled race on 30 August behind closed doors.

The event was in doubt following the decision to ban all public events until 1 September but Belgian authorities are happy to have the grand prix take place behind closed doors.

It is now up to Liberty Media to agree commercial terms with the tracks organisers of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

With circuits receiving no revenue from spectators, Liberty will be expected to pay for some of the European events whilst fly-away races will pay a significantly reduced fee.

Austria is set to start the 2020 Formula 1 season on 5 July followed by another race at the Red Bull Ring in 12 July.

However, Silverstone and Liberty are at a financial standoff with Liberty refusing to meet the demands of Silverstone, reportedly to be around £15 million.

Hockenheim are now in talks of potentially hosting a race if Silverstone and Liberty cannot agree a deal.

Earlier this week, a cautious, provisional 19-race calendar was drawn up. It did not feature the Canadian, Dutch or Singapore Grand Prix.

2020 Formula 1 Provisional Schedule

5 July: Austrian GP

12 July: Austrian GP (2)

26 July: British GP (or Hockenheim)

2 August: British GP (2) (or Hockenheim)

9 August: Hungarian GP

23 August: Spanish GP

30 August: Belgian GP

6 September: Italian GP

20 September: Azerbaijan GP

27 September: Russian GP

4 October: Chinese GP

11 October: Japanese GP

25 October: US GP

1 November: Mexican GP

8 November: Brazilian GP

22 November: Vietnam GP

29 November: Bahrain GP

6 December: Bahrain (2)

13 December: Abu Dhabi GP