LONDON (REUTERS) - Austria's Red Bull Ring and Britain's Silverstone circuit will each host two grands prix without spectators on an initial eight race Formula One calendar published on Tuesday (June 2).

Austria's races start the season on July 5 and 12 and will be called the Austrian Grand Prix and the Grand Prix of Steiermark (Styria), the region in which the circuit at Spielberg is located.

Silverstone will host the British Grand Prix on Aug 2 and the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix on Aug 9.

The Hungarian Grand Prix will be on July 19 with races in Spain, Belgium and Italy on Aug 16 and 30 and Sept 6 respectively.

The Formula One season was unable to start in Australia in March as planned due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the Red Bull Ring will host the opening race of a Formula One season for the first time, the event will be closed to spectators.

The Austrian circuit will implement strict measures to ensure racing is resumed in the safest possible way. These include regular testing, comprehensive hygiene measures and a reducing F1 team and organisational staff allowed on the circuit.

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Team Principal, Christian Horner, said: "Red Bull have pulled out all the stops to get the Austrian Grand Prix up and running, in order to support a safe start to the Formula One season.

"It's a fantastic venue and we are pleased to be starting our championship campaign at our home circuit. It has been a huge effort by all involved and the two events at the Red Bull Ring will be a blueprint for all other races to follow.

"There was obviously a huge amount of discussion behind the scenes with Liberty, the FIA and the local authorities to ensure that returning to racing is done responsibly and we all have our part to play in order to enforce the measures in place.

"With the first eight races of the calendar now confirmed we have some positive momentum. As a race team and racers, we are excited to get going again and put on a show for our fans."