Motor sport tends to be a microcosm of the real world, and that’s certainly the case right now during the coronavirus pandemic as businesses face financial uncertainty – and even ruin. But Alan Gow, boss of the British Touring Car Championship, has voiced optimism that motor racing will bounce back.

The BTCC was forced to postpone events in the wake of government announcements on mass gatherings. “We’re effectively going to time-shift the championship,” Gow told Motor Sport. “As long as we can get the 10 events, or as close to it as we can, it doesn’t have a financial impact – apart from looking after cashflow for suppliers until we start racing again.”

On that point, it’s crucial companies offer each other “latitude” right now, he added. “It’s a war-time spirit. What we’re seeing in our motor sport businesses is the same as real life. People are just getting on with it because there is nothing else we can do. We know the motor sport community is close-knit and companies will be supporting each other. Businesses won’t be sending each other to the wall.

“We will do what is required to get the season done,” said Gow. “We’ll have to be creative, and there will be a lot of back-to-back weekends, but teams are up for it.”

One thing is for sure however: there will be no racing in front of empty grandstands. Gow is unequivocal about the idea for the BTCC. “Racing behind closed doors was a non-starter.”