Turkish GP will now be run behind closed doors after abandoning F1 fans plan

The Turkish Grand Prix will now take place without Formula 1 fans as a ‘closed door’ event due to rising COVID-19 concerns in the country.

Istanbul Park will return to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2011 as part of the revised 2020 schedule and had hoped to attract up to 100,000 paying spectators on 15 November.

But those plans have been shelved on the advice of local officials after a rise in coronavirus cases in Turkey. Istanbul Governor’s office confirmed that the event will now be run behind closed doors.

“Within the scope of efforts to combat the coronavirus epidemic, and in accordance with the recommendation of the Istanbul Provincial Pandemic Committee, the F1 Turkish Grand Prix will be held without spectators,” a statement read.

F1, which has only just starting allowing fans back to races, said it fully supported the decision after the series recorded 10 positive cases of coronavirus in the most recent round of test results.

"Our season has been guided by a safety first approach and that will continue to be our priority,” an F1 spokesperson said.

"In Turkey we were looking forward to seeing fans but the situation in the country means this is no longer possible and we fully understand and respect the decision."

Around 3,000 fans attended the Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello, while 30,000 fans descended on Sochi for each day of the Russian Grand Prix.

Upcoming events at the Nurburgring, Portimao and Imola are also all open for spectators to attend.

It is expected that around 20,000 fans will attend this weekend's Eifel Grand Prix.