Formula 1 news - Belgian Grand Prix gets the green light to go ahead without spectators

The Belgian Formula One Grand Prix, scheduled for the end of August but threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, can go ahead without spectators, regional authorities said on Friday.

The Formula One season has yet to start, with three races cancelled and seven postponed, but series organisers are planning to get going in July with two races behind closed doors in Austria.

The government has said no sports or cultural events can take place before June 30 but sports clubs can resume training in the presence of a coach and with no more than 20 people present from May 18.

"The Belgian Grand Prix can be held behind closed doors, as well as all the necessary prior training," the Belgian region of Wallonia said in a statement.

Belgian Grand Prix

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Charles Leclerc was the winner of the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix.

Image credit: Getty Images

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit said on its website that it had implemented health and prevention measures to comply with directives.

Formula One has yet to publish a revised calendar, with commercial rights holders Liberty Media aiming for a reduced schedule of 15 to 18 races running into December and possibly even January.

Belgium was scheduled for August 30 on the original calendar.

Belgian Grand Prix

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