UK Government Allows Live Sport Behind Closed Doors From June 1.

The UK government has announced that live sport will be allowed to take place behind closed doors ‘in safe and carefully controlled environments’ from Monday June 1.

The decision, announced on Saturday May 30, follows permission being given last Monday for close contact and competitive training to resume for all sports.

Protocols have been published to ensure that social distancing is rigorously followed at all times, stating that:

“All competition delivery partners and user groups involved, from the teams and athletes, to the support staff, officials and media, must travel individually and by private transport where possible.”

Preparations were already in place to restart motor racing in the UK with the governing body for four-wheel motorsport, Motorsport UK, having published its ‘Getting Back On Track’ proposals on May 18. The guidelines outlined requirements for team personnel to wear PPE, maintaining social distancing throughout race meetings by reducing team personnel numbers and the use of video briefings.

Motorsport UK has currently suspended racing activities until June 30. The UK government’s announcement does allow the organisation to review that date although, given the logistical challenges of arranging race meetings at short notice, a change is not anticipated.

MSVR, the owner of Brands Hatch and Snetterton circuits amongst others, has already communicated with media personnel to say that, when racing does resume, media will not be allowed at their circuits until the guidelines change.