Belgian GP in doubt - country bans public events until August 31

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The Belgian Grand Prix scheduled for August 30 has just become another round of the F1 world championship in jeopardy.

Belgium's National Security Council (CNS) has extended the country's lockdown to May 3 despite a very slow decline of its COVID-19 cases, but Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes also announced a slight relaxing of certain measures.

Ongoing evaluations will determine whether to prolong confinement measures beyond the new 15-day period, with the Belgian PM insisting it is still too early to say when normality will be able to return.

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Furthermore, the government also announced an extension of the current ban on mass gatherings and public events until August 31.

That decision does not bode well for the Belgian GP, but Wilmes said that a closed-door policy applied this summer to Belgium's football championship would be studied, an approach that could also include Spa-Francorchamps' F1 event.

However, a race void of spectators - including the typically large contingent of Max Verstappen supporters - would hardly make financial sense for race promoter Spa Grand Prix, at least under the terms of its current franchise agreement with Liberty Media.

"The National Security Council has decided to ban public events until August 31 included," Spa circuit said in a statement released on Wednesday evening.

"The Circuit remains attentive to the next communication from the CNS. We will keep you informed, as soon as possible, of any future developments."

The French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard is theoretically scheduled to open the F1 season on June 28, but all signs point to a postponement or cancellation of the event, with the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring next in line on July 5 to become F1's tentative curtain raiser.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.