Ricciardo will take a race behind closed doors 'any day'

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Renault's Daniel Ricciardo is all for F1 racing behind closed doors if it means getting the sport's disrupted 2020 season into gear.

Both the Red Bull Ring in Austria and Silverstone are willing to host the opening rounds of the F1 world championship without any spectators if conditions in the respective countries allow for such plans to take place.

"There's obviously a push for a season to happen with the right circumstances," Ricciardo said on a Sky F1 Vodcast.

"If that means some of it, or the start of it, is behind closed doors - from my side, so be it."

Vettel: Fewer races in 2020 would still produce worthy champion

Formula 1's current standstill has provided drivers with a prolonged holiday season, but Ricciardo admits he's now as restless as wild beast in a cage and raring to go.

"As a competitor and not racing since November-December, all I want to do right now is go racing and so as soon as were all clear to go…

"Of course, with a crowd it's nice, but if we can still race without, I'll take that any day."

Formula 1's chiefs will likely offer a more clarity on the sport's immediate future in early May as contingency plans are devised and tweaked according to the ongoing evolution of the coronavirus pandemic.

The French Grand Prix is still indicated as the opening race on the 2020 calendar, but France's ban on mass gatherings until at least mid-July practically reduces to ashes any hopes that the event at Paul Ricard will go ahead as scheduled.

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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.