Fog and rain shelve first practice at the Nürburgring

Eifel Grand Prix

Fog and rain shelve first practice at the Nürburgring

The medical helicopter was unable to fly

Ian Parkes

Friday 9 October 2020 12:00

Formula 1 was confined to the garages on its return to the Nürburgring as first practice was unable to take place due to poor weather conditions.

While the track itself was driveable, certainly when the session was due to start at 10 am BST, 11 am local time, the primary issue was the fact the medical helicopter was unable to fly.

FIA regulations dictate that the nearest hospital must be within a 20-minute drive of any circuit. In the case of the Nürburgring, the closest facility is based in Koblenz, 45 minutes away.

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That means the medical helicopter becomes the main source of transport should there be an incident in which a driver requires urgent assistance that cannot be handled at the track medical centre.

Initially, while there was necessary clearance for the helicopter at the track, but misty conditions en route to Koblenz meant it was grounded.

As time ticked on, the conditions at the circuit deteriorated, leading to the FIA being forced to cancel the session.

Further rain is forecast for FP2, and it remains to be seen whether any running will take place across the day.

Sadly, for Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott, it meant their F1 debuts have been put on hold.

Much of the build-up to F1's return to the Nürburgring for the first time since 2013, had focused on Schumacher, in particular.

The son of seven-time champion Michael, who is currently leading the Formula 2 championship, was due to take part in FP1 with Alfa Romeo.

Another Ferrari academy driver in Ilott, fighting Schumacher for the F2 title, was also set for his F1 bow with Haas.

Both drivers will now have to wait until later this year to be provided with a practice run out ahead of their potential elevation to F1 in 2021.

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