BTCC season to start behind closed doors

The new BTCC season will kick off behind closed doors after Thruxton confirmed that fans will be unable to attend the planned season opener in early May.

Series organisers TOCA had previously elected to amend the calendar in the hope of being able to admit fans to events this year, with both the Brands Hatch Indy and Donington Park rounds being moved to dates later in the year.

However, following the most recent announcement from the government on the plans to try and bring the UK out of the current lockdown, it has been made clear that fans will be unable to attend events until at least 17 May, meaning the season opener will have to run without fans in attendance.

“Following the announcement of the government’s roadmap for easing of lockdown restrictions, the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) race meeting at Thruxton in May (8/9) will have to be run behind closed doors, without spectators,” a statement from Thruxton owners the BARC read.

“The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has confirmed that no spectators will be allowed to attend events until May 17 at the earliest. We are disappointed that fans will not be able to join us in May and we are sorry for the inconvenience this decision will cause.

“However, it looks as though we will be able to have a full complement of spectators when the BTCC returns to Thruxton in August (Sat 28 – Sun 29).”

Fans who has purchased tickets will be able to exchange them for the August date, or get a full refund.

Round two at Snetterton is also currently scheduled to take place before the 17 May.