At a time nearby Leicester is facing an extension to its lockdown following a "surge" of virus cases, Northamptonshire Police have warned fans attempting to gain access to Silverstone for the forthcoming races to stay away, stating that the events, indeed the season, could be compromised by their failure to do so.

While sport is slowly recovering following the pandemic, events remain 'behind closed doors', with mass public gatherings banned.

However, with an eye on the recent protests throughout the country and the scenes following Liverpool's securing of the Premiership last week, the authorities fear that fans might make their way to Silverstone if only to see their heroes arriving for the events.

"We completely understand fans may be tempted to be close to the circuit for the races but unfortunately that will not be possible this year and access to the local area will be extremely restricted," said the event's commander, Superintendent Dennis Murray in a bulletin issued this afternoon.

"I am urging fans to enjoy these events from home as it will not be permissible, or in fact possible, to spectate from the perimeter fences," he added. "Anybody attempting to do so will be turned away by Silverstone security who will be tightly controlling these areas, or my officers.

"Though the races are being held behind closed doors, the security measures we are putting in place will be as stringent as ever. We are working alongside the circuit to deliver two safe events for both the participants, their teams and our local communities."

"British Formula 1 fans are the most passionate in the world," added Silverstone boss, Stuart Pringle, "but we ask that they do not attempt to travel to the Silverstone area over these first two weekends in August.

"2020 is unique and so many sacrifices have already been made by so many, however, as a motorsport community, we must work together to avoid compromising the Formula 1 season and to help Silverstone protect its neighbours."

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1. Posted by trackrecords, 07/07/2020 22:48

"Crowds of autograph/selfie hunters clamouring around the main entrance to Silverstone has been a characteristic in resent years. So security staff are going to have a problem keeping them away, just by saying "go away!". I can imagine a circular flow of people being turned away, new people arriving to then be turned away, as the previous lot try to double back. They are either going to have to resort to temporarily arresting them and having a high fence enclosure, or Taser-time to stop them in their tracks. Either that or use a back entrance route through the fields. It is going to be a massive operation, and I don't envy them having to do it twice in a fortnight..."

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Silverstone: Fans warned "stay away"

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