COVID-19: First European Circuits to Re-Open as Lockdown end Looms

The lockdown measure impossed due the spread of COVID-19 has of course had an impact on the sporting world and like many other venues, all motorsport circuits have been shut during this time.

That does not mean it will last forever though and signs are already emerging from Europe that we are taking our first steps back to normality. In Belgium, the Flemish authorities have announced that seven MotoCross venues will be reopened for training and practice purposes.

From the 4th May these locations, subject to provincial and urban permits, will allow competitors to test, though no competition is permitted to take place, announces the Flemish Motorcyclists’ Association of Belgium (VMBB).

Belgium was one of Europe’s worst affected countries per capita (5th worldwide), with 50,000 cases and 7,800 deaths confirmed amongst its 11.5 million population. There are signs the country is getting better though. May 4th marks the first day of Belgium’s relaxed lockdown restrictions with public transport set to resume a normal schedule and business will be allowed to open their doors.

As a result, the Flemish authority (in the south of the country) have announced the following seven circuits are open to business;

• Circuit Hondapark Olmen / Balen
• Circuit Lille
• Circuit Lommel
• Circuit Genk
• Trial area Genk
• Trial area Lichtervelde
• Genk mini-site

They are not the first places to open their doors though, with the Shanghai International Circuit becoming the first F1 track to reopen at the start of April and is set to hold its first competitive events in June.

Though some countries remain committed to being cautious, with both Interlagos and Suzuka (who shut its doors on April 10th) raising doubts about hosting Grand Prix’s. Ticket buyers for the Japanese GP have been informed the race is ‘postponed’, with the organisers announcing; “The definite reopening date will be announced later.”

In the UK, Silverstone is set to host a double header to mark the third and fourth rounds of the F1 season in July, though announced that it would not be open to the public. The season opening two rounds at the Red Bull Ring and the following Grand Prix at the Hungaroring have all been closed to public.

Elsewhere, the revised BTCC and TOCA calendar was announced two weeks ago, with its first date at Donington Park at the start of August. This, under current estimates, appears to be the first date in which spectators will be allowed to attend.

Stay safe and keep up with Motorsport Radio for the latest news and updates.