Silverstone Circuit Coronavirus: Controversy erupts as marshals to be denied testing for Covid-19

Silverstone Circuit Coronavirus: Only the ones who have to enter the paddock area will receive testing for Covid-19 at Silverstone.

F1 has received plaudits all across the board for efficiently escaping the coronavirus spread. Protocols have been put in place for teams and personnel, with strict repercussions. Testing has been going in strong numbers, ensuring the races go ahead smoothly.

The three races at Austria and Hungary went as per plan, but Silverstone has created a flutter. It revolves around the authorities going for an ‘elitist policy’ when it comes to testing.

Not all marshals are being tested at Silverstone Circuit for Coronavirus

Marshals are incensed that Silverstone is not living up to its commitment. The commitment of testing all personnel involved with the two races at Silverstone next month. Silverstone had last month given this in writing to all marshalls to be involved.

But this is far from being a complete truth. Only the marshals designated to the paddock will be tested. Apart from them, the others will only go through the normal temperature check while checking in.

This is a wrong decision by @F1#WeRaceAsOne proves ironic…#F1 races in two tiers with marshalls treated as second class expendable participants #shocking and #Shameful@guardian Marshals condemn refusal to test them for Covid-19 at British GPhttps://t.co/Y6Tlhf1b84

— Mark speaking (@markspeaking) July 25, 2020

F1 proving to be a rich man’s sport, yet again

Formula One has traditionally been looked down as a white-dominated, elitist sport. It has created a niche for itself where the people with the bucks rule the sport. And this is precisely what the FIA and FOM have strived to change over the past few years. Jean Todt, Chase Carey and Ross Brawn are working together to increase the footprint of the sport. They have done quite well, with exposure to F1 increasing, particularly in Asia and the Americas.

But this issue threatens to undo their good work, with the marshals letting their feelings known. They want Formula to let their actions speak louder than words, a nod to the ‘We Race a One’ campaign.

“I feel lied, to be honest”, says one marshal speaking to The Guardian. “30 or 40 per cent of the marshals feel that something is not right and are not very happy. We feel like second-class citizens. Because we’re not in direct contact with the teams, we really don’t matter.”

“This is a slap in the face given the time, effort and money we put into marshalling all year, every year. It makes us feel unwanted or just a necessary evil.”

About the author

Subham Jindal

A Red - be it Manchester United or Ferrari. Hails from the hills of Kalimpong, Darjeeling. Aspiring to become a respected Sports Management professional.

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