Spectators banned from Silverstone BTCC launch due to coronavirus

A statement from the series was released on Monday evening, asking fans not to attend the circuit after UK prime minister Boris Johnson advised all citizens to avoid 'non-essential social contact'.

"Following the government's coronavirus latest advice, BTCC series organiser TOCA and Silverstone have taken the decision to cancel public attendance at the BTCC Season Launch taking place at the circuit tomorrow (March 17)," said the statement.

"TOCA and Silverstone are committed to assisting in any way to support the government's action plan, with the health and safety of our visitors and our team as our priority.

"Tomorrow's official pre-season test will still go ahead."

Six hours of testing, split into two three-hour sessions, are scheduled to take place on the International Circuit, which has never before been used for BTCC competition.

The track uses the Grand Prix Circuit 'Wing' pits and paddock, but cuts across from The Loop complex to rejoin the GP layout at the beginning of the Hangar Straight.

The International Circuit will be used for the penultimate round of this year's championship, on September 26-27.

The race calendar itself is under ever-increasing threat from measures taken to counter the coronavirus, and Autosport understands that the opening three rounds - at Donington Park on March 28-29, Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on April 11-12 and Silverstone National Circuit on April 25-26 - are at risk.

This may depend on any edicts from the government banning gatherings of more than a certain number of people.

In these circumstances, it would be unlikely that events could even take place behind closed doors as it is understood that at least 1500 people work in a BTCC paddock, across the headline act and its five support championships.

Meanwhile, testing has continued apace over recent days, with Excelr8 Motorsport completing the first track running for its Hyundai i30 Fastback N Performance (above) machines at Snetterton last Thursday and Friday.

Drivers Chris Smiley and Senna Proctor - both of whom are BTCC race winners - came away happy from the test.

Team principal Justina Williams said: "The finished product looks great and looks fast, as we know cars that look fast usually are!

"The two-day shakedown and test at Snetterton were very productive with both Senna and Chris coming away feeling quietly confident that their new steeds are capable of delivering."