F1 News: Silverstone confirms deal for British GP double

The circuit has been in discussion with Liberty about the commercial terms, with the usual situation of a hosting fee arrangement paid by the circuit replaced by a deal where F1 pays the costs for running the event.

The two parties had different ideas about what constituted an appropriate deal, with F1 CEO Chase Carey noting recently that "whether it's the teams, or promoters or sponsors we're not going to be handing out candy to everybody."

A deal has now been struck and the two organisations are working through the remaining details.

The races are likely to take place on 26 July and 2 August, leaving the original British GP date of 19 July as a free weekend, which will create a gap to the events in Austria, which is yet to be confirmed by F1 officials.

The arrangement remains provisional pending government regulations that might be in place at that time. Prime minister Boris Johnson recently announced a 14-day quarantine for overseas visitors.

Silverstone boss Stuart Pringle told Autosport: "I am delighted to confirm that Silverstone and F1 have reached an agreement in principle to host two races behind closed doors this summer.

"However these races will be subject to Government approval, as our priority is the safety of all involved and strict compliance with COVID-19 regulations.

"I would like to thank all our fans who have been so supportive throughout this and to assure them we are determined to do all we can to help F1 put on a show this summer."

There has been no formal confirmation from the F1 organisation.

A spokesman told Autosport: "We are continuing to work with all promoters on a revised calendar."

That schedule remains fluid, although Holland, Canada and Singapore are absent from the current version.

F1 sources have indicated that Hockenheim has been on standby in case Silverstone couldn't host the races, and presumably the German venue will maintain that position until a late stage and the British events are confirmed, and then play the same role for other circuits.

F1 also had positive news from Spa-Francorchamps as it confirmed the Belgian government has provisionally approved a closed doors race, despite a mass event ban that runs to the end of August.