The FIA is working to avoid a repeat of the weather-induced disruption which caused both practice sessions to be cancelled on Friday at the Eifel Grand Prix.
Nurburgring’s first Formula 1 race weekend in seven years began with silence as rain and fog swept across the circuit throughout the day, preventing the medical helicopter from being able to fly.
In order to prevent that being an issue for the rest of the weekend, it’s thought F1 may look to create a temporary trauma facility within the 20-minute travel time by road that is needed to proceed with on-track action is such a scenario, per the regulations.
Although FIA race director Michael Masi wouldn’t confirm that in his comments.
“The forecast looks better [on Saturday and Sunday], but we are also working on some back-up plans should we have a similar situation to be able to work around,” he said.
“We are working on those as we speak. We’ll work on the backup plans and advise everyone accordingly at the time.”
Not long after the session finished, conditions had indeed improved with images of a beautiful sunset over the Nurburgring.
But what the lack of action has done is leave F1 teams with plenty to do in the one hour of running they should get on Saturday before qualifying.
“It’s definitely a bit frustrating to miss out on days like this,” said Lewis Hamilton.
“We probably wouldn’t have got a huge amount of running in really because we’re limited on tyres, but I would have loved to done even an install lap. But everyone’s in the same boat.
“But I’m definitely [excited], especially if it stays like this. Hopefully clearer skies but wet… it definitely makes it a serious challenge with less practice. So I look forward to that.”
For some, the reduced timetable will also be good preparation for Imola’s F1 return later this year, which will take place over a reduced two-day schedule.
“I don’t mind [the lack of Friday], I actually like it,” Max Verstappen commented, “It makes everything a bit more tricky and interesting.”
Even if the rain clears, however, the weather is still set to play a big part with temperatures struggling to reach even 10C over the weekend.
“It’s going to be very tricky, I think,” said Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. “It’s going to a big challenge for the drivers, and also for the teams to put the tyres in the right window.
“It will be very, very difficult, especially as we’ve been struggling whenever it has been a bit cold. Here it’s very cold, so let’s see how we handle it.
“As racing drivers, the conditions are always changing, I’m pretty sure during the weekend they’ll change quite a bit, so this will make it more difficult, but it should be exciting.”