So, what's next?

There’s light at the end of the tunnel for the business of motorsport

- CHRIS AYLETT

What’s next is a good question, as every changing week feels like a lifetime at present. Plenty of challenges lie ahead, but at last, light is emerging. Motorsport Valley’s rate of recovery will follow the decisions of UK government so, although I primarily focus on UK industry here, there are parallels across Europe.

While accepting their first priority must be the health of their population, national governments have never had such direct, immediate influence on demand and supply to all motorsport businesses.

Initially, the MIA’s most urgent work was to lobby and influence government decisions affecting lockdown, as these will be pivotal to next year’s business performance. We influenced the Job Retention Scheme becoming more flexible, and encouraged business loans.

Most UK companies severely cut activities or even temporarily closed. There was some ongoing business in high-performance automotive brands, health, and defense, but very little in motorsport.

After three months lockdown we, along with others, successfully lobbied for the return of motorsport as the UK moves into its ‘restore and re-grow’ phase. Fans will now enjoy eight F1 races in July and August, and 12 BTCC races in August alone. And it’s good to see the UK hosting two F1 races this season, one being the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, its birthplace.

By relying on TV income and contracts, other motorsport series will also re-start, but without live audiences. Teams may lose a few sponsors, but most will choose to remain.