Nurburgring to admit 20,000 F1 fans for Eifel GP

Next month’s Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring is set to take place in front of 20,000 Formula 1 fans after race organisers were given the green light to host spectators.

The German circuit will hold its first F1 race in seven years on October 9-11 as the 11th round of the revised 17-race 2020 season which was heavily disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Having been granted permission to open the doors to spectators for the event, tickets will go on sale from Tuesday on the circuit’s official website, though they will be released in batches.

A three-day ticket for the grand prix will cost €199 (£182).

The opening eight rounds of the 2020 were ran as ‘closed events’, but spectators were allowed to return to an F1 race for the first time this year at the Tuscan Grand Prix, with a total of 2,000 fans permitted to attend at Mugello.

A larger crowd will be admitted for this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix at Sochi, while fans are also expected to be present at races at Portimao and Imola.

“It is important to us in this first stage to offer tickets in different price categories,” said Nurburging managing director Mirco Markfort.

"Of course, in times of corona, with the enormous personnel and planning effort it entails, everything is a question of cost.

"But it is also a question of giving fans the opportunity to be able to afford tickets and to experience the race safely."

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel recently warned that F1 can expect to be met by cold weather conditions when it returns to the Nurburgring given the time of year.

“It’s called German Siberia for a reason - so we can expect anything,” he said.

“I think we can expect it to be, if we’re lucky, 20 degrees [Celsius]. But it could also be close to zero. So it will be a challenge.

“Nevertheless, I think is a great track. Obviously [I have] good memories. Last time I think we were there I won so I’m looking forward to go back.

“It’s a really interesting and nice track to drive. And with these cars especially, should be a lot of fun. For sure the weather, I think, will play a role. It would be a surprise if it didn’t.”