Today’s back pages: F1 set to bankroll British Grand Prix at Silverstone

Silverstone to get green light

The Guardian and Independent report that the Formula 1 British Grand Prix is expected to go ahead on the weekend of 18-19 July but without fans.

The Indy reproduces the letter written by Silverstone’s managing director Stuart Pringle to race fans who have already purchased tickets.

Pringle said: “I am extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year’s British Grand Prix in front of fans at Silverstone… our obligations to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event, our volunteer marshals and race makers, and of course you, the amazing fans, means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make.”

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The Guardian says the Formula One Group is expected to provide the financial backing to ensure that the British Grand Prix goes ahead now that there won’t be any revenue from fans.

While there has been no official confirmation as yet, the Guardian has it on good authority that “the hosting fee is to be waived and that F1 will meet the costs incurred by the circuit, in effect renting it from its owners, the British Racing Drivers’ Club”.

F1 chief Chase Carey yesterday announced that the sport is targeting the Austrian Grand Prix on 5 July to start the delayed 2020 season.

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West Ham to offload Rice

The Sun’s back page is devoted to West Ham United ace Declan Rice with the paper claiming that Hammers boss David Moyes is preparing to overhaul his floundering squad.

“All hands on Dec” screams the Sun, claiming that West Ham are ready to offload Rice for upwards of £70m with Manchester United and Arsenal among the clubs eyeing the 21-year-old England midfielder.

But he’s not the only Hammer who could soon be emptying his locker. According to the Sun, a West Ham source has told them that “nobody is safe” from the cull which will be triggered partly by cash flow issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic but also because boss Moyes wants to reshape the squad for the long term.

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Froome’s ambition

The Times carries the confident claim from Chris Froome that he believes he can win a fifth Tour de France if the race goes ahead later this year.

Cycling’s most prestigious event was due to start at the end of June but that date has tentatively been pushed back to the end of August, although it is still unclear whether the French government will agree to the new schedule.

But if it does Froome, who turns 35 next month, believes he can come out on top and erase the painful memories of the crash that caused him to miss last year’s Tour.

“I’d like to think that chances are I can do it,” he said of the ambition of becoming only the fifth rider to win five Tours. “Nothing is written in stone, or given in sport but I’ve got the experience, loads of motivation and I want to make it happen obviously.”

Today’s sport headlines

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