Mugello to open gates to limited number of F1 fans

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Mugello circuit is set to open its gates at next month's Tuscan Grand Prix to a limited number of spectators.

The event which will directly follow next week's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, will be the first race this season where fans will be allowed into the grandstands.

Stringent COVID-19 measures have led to "ghost races" this year, but as the season unfolds and the pandemic subsides, local safety measures are slowly starting to be relaxed.

"Mugello is the first circuit that in 2020 will host the public inside it during a [Formula 1] competition," the Ferrari-owned track said on Saturday.

"During the three days of the Grand Prix, 2880 spectators will be able to attend the event daily, with 1000 in the Central Tribune and 1000 Materassi Tribune."

Portimao and Imola aim to follow Sochi by allowing in fans

The remaining 880 spectators will be channeled to Grandstand 58, which will only be accessible to Scuderia Ferrari Club members.

As a reminder, the Tuscan Grand Prix will mark the 1000th F1 world championship event for Ferrari.

The spectator plan has been approved by Tuscan authorities and will comply with mandatory safety measures that will include body temperature control, social distancing, masks and dedicated parking spaces.

Earlier this month, Russian Grand Prix organisers at Sochi announced that they were hoping to open their September 27 race to 30,000 spectators.

Furthermore, promoters at Portimão and Imola are also seeking to admit up to 10,000 fans a day at their venues, with the respective races taking place on October 25 and November 1.

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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.