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F1 officially set to start next month

Jun 03, 2020

It’s official! Formula 1 is set to return on July 5th, starting with the Austrian Grand Prix.

The new schedule only features the first eight races, with organisers hoping to announce further races in Asia and the Americas in the coming weeks, to establish a calendar of 15 to 18 races.

As it stands, the opening races will be held behind closed doors, but officials have assured that fans would be welcomed back when it is safe to do so.

F1 also plans to create a 'biosphere' on location, with everyone entering the paddock tested for coronavirus regularly and observing social distancing.

Meanwhile, the second Austrian race will be called the Steiermark GP - the region the Red Bull Ring is situated - with the second Silverstone race called the 70th Anniversary GP, in honour of the circuit hosting the championship's inaugural event in 1950. 

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EPL clubs allowed to have friendlies

Premier League clubs have been given permission to play friendlies, before the season’s planned resumption on June 17th.

It’s understood that top-flight sides had made requests to face other teams, in preparation for the league's return.

However, several restrictions have been put in place, including clubs being forbidden from travelling for further than 90 minutes, and all players must travel in their own cars, possibly in their kits.

Also, no official referees will be allowed, with members of coaching staff taking charge.

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Russia competition ban appeal to be heard in November

Russia's appeal against a four-year international competition ban will be held in November.

The World Anti-Doping Agency declared Russia non-compliant with its code last year, after alleging that lab data had been manipulated, as Russian teams were blocked from competing in global sporting events.

As it stands, the sanctions rule out Russian athletes competing under their country's flag at major events, such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics next year, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.