National News: MSV circuits to reopen for testing
MotorSport Vision is reopening its circuits in the UK with track activity gradually beginning from next week
Jonathan Palmer's MSV organisation expects that its Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Oulton Park, Snetterton and Cadwell Park tracks will be open for general testing and trackdays from 26 May.
Palmer explained that exclusive testing or private track hire, what he called "professional testing", could start earlier at all of MSV's facilities, including Bedford Autodrome.
The reopening of the venues follows last weekend's government announcement that from Wednesday of this week there would be an easing in the lockdown rules resulting from the COVID-19 crisis.
"Step one of the relaxation of lockdown announced by the government allows for the resumption of trackdays and testing: circuits are outdoor sports venues that can be used while respecting social distancing guidelines," Palmer told Autosport.
Palmer explained that MSV has formulated "comprehensive protocols in accordance with government guidelines for social distancing and hygiene" to allow the tracks to resume business safely.
"In effect, we have made the activities as contactless as possible without compromising the safety of the track activity," he explained.
"For example, we have created a sophisticated online check-in system to remove paperwork from the process, we'll have video briefings, restricted garage use, takeaway-only food service, no in-car instruction or helmet hire [at trackdays] and hand sanitiser will be widely available.
"Testing should be limited to essential personnel in line with government guidelines and, for trackdays, only drivers and one cohabiting passenger can attend, not spectating friends and family."
Palmer said the guidelines put in place will "create a safe environment" and that MSV is expecting a "mix of circuit use to be taking place soon".
He insisted that there would no arbitrary limits on the number of cars allowed at each of the tracks, but that numbers may vary to achieve the necessary social distancing at each of the venues.
The British Automobile Racing Club - which operates the Thruxton, Croft and Pembrey circuits - has said its venues won't reopen for testing before 1 June.
"We want to get back on track as soon as possible but we need to be mindful of government guidance and public opinion, which is almost as important, and make sure we're not putting a burden on the health service from our activities," BARC chief executive Ben Taylor told Autosport.
Taylor explained that testing at BARC venues would likely be for exclusive or semi-exclusive days, saying "we're not going to have big open tests".
He added: "Other venues might reopen before us and we will learn from how they get on - that will help to inform our decisions."
Silverstone is also working towards reopening the circuit for testing.
A spokesperson said: "We are reviewing it at the moment, but the start date and the logistics around operating a test day have yet to be worked out."
All circuits in Britain remain closed for racing after Motorsport UK in March withdrew all permits for meetings up until 30 June.
But, unlike in other countries, UK circuits do not require the governing body to sanction their operation for test days.
Some venues in Europe have now began to reopen as lockdown restrictions have been eased.
GT World Challenge Endurance Cup team SPS Automotive Performance was one team to take advantage of the end of the hiatus in Germany by running its brand-new Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Hockenheim for three days last week.
Meanwhile, France's motorsport federation the FFSA announced that testing could begin this week, as long as it is at a venue within 100km of a driver's or competitor's home.
Groups of more than 10 people are forbidden, although the total number of people at the circuit can be higher, while changing rooms, meeting places and restaurants remain closed.
National News: British GT unveils revised six-event calendar for 2020
National News: Motorsport UK releases guidance on the resumption of motorsport
Why WTR Acura lacked pace to beat MSR in Daytona 24 showdown
Filipe Albuquerque admits that he knew it would be a tall order for Wayne Taylor Racing to overcome sister Acura squad Meyer Shank Racing in last weekend's Daytona 24 Hours.
How MSR took Acura to the first win of sportscar racing's new era
After much anticipation, the new dawn for sportscar racing got underway with a result that mirrored last year's IMSA SportsCar Championship's season-opener run to the previous DPi rules. Here's how Acura once again took top honours in the Daytona 24 Hours with a 1-2 led by Meyer Shank Racing, as the new GTP class for LMDh hybrid prototypes made its bow
Alonso's pushy trait a boost for me in 2023 F1 season, says Stroll
Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Lance Stroll says Fernando Alonso's pushy nature will be a boost to both him and the squad this year.
Porsche aims to “learn quick” from Daytona 24 Hours disappointment
Porsche’s director of factory racing Urs Kuratle says his team will gain valuable answers from its disappointing results in the Daytona 24 Hours.
How Lotus emerged as a period Goodwood force
Colin Chapman’s marque was the most successful across Goodwood’s 71 contemporary era Members’ Meetings, from 1949 to 1966. Many of the future Formula 1 pacesetter's finest creations will be in action during this weekend's 2022 event, attempting to re-live an era when period Lotus was gaining unstoppable momentum
How to get the best out of amateur racers
Pro-Am GT racing is booming. But how should drivers approach working with an amateur? Autosport sought out a panel of experts to explain the pitfalls amateur drivers should avoid and how professionals can help them to achieve their goals
How Radical revamped its record-breaking flagship model
Just over a year ago, Autosport sampled Radical’s newest offering: the SR10. Now upgraded, it’s clear to see why it’s become the manufacturer’s fastest-selling model
The second-generation Can-Am racers that took the UK by storm
When Thundersports was introduced in 1983, few could have predicted that it would bring an army of heavy metal from the United States to British circuits. The awe-inspiring former Can-Am racers became a new domestic flagship category that captivated spectators and drivers alike
The father and son team taking GT racing by storm
GT Cup title winners Richard and Sam Neary emerged as a race-winning force in British GT in 2021. The father-and-son pairing have done it the hard way with their family team – and 19-year-old Sam is only just getting started on a career he hopes will lead to factory opportunities in the near future
Track testing an outgoing stalwart of British motorsport
The current GB3 Championship car is due to be replaced next season. Autosport got behind the wheel to discover why it's been a popular machine for drivers making their way up the junior single-seater ladder
Inside the lightweight Czech sportscar making its mark on the UK
Ahead of Praga running its own standalone series in partnership with Britcar, Autosport got behind the wheel of the Czech company’s R1 at Donington – and was left very impressed
How rocket O'Sullivan banished painful memories with GB3 glory
After missing out on the 2020 British F4 title in astonishing fashion, Zak O'Sullivan was determined to earn his first car racing title stepping up to the BRDC British F3 championship. While the series underwent a mid-year name change to GB3, the Carlin driver was imperious throughout and deservedly claimed the title in his rookie year
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.