FIA "back up plan" revealed to ensure Nürburgring green light

Eifel Grand Prix

FIA "back-up plan" revealed to ensure Nürburgring green light

The FIA has a solution in place to guarantee action this weekend

Ian Parkes & Sam Hall

Friday 9 October 2020 20:26 Updated: 20:55

The FIA has formulated a contingency plan to ensure the remainder of the Eifel Grand Prix weekend continues as planned, GPFans understands.

Both 90-minute Friday practice sessions at the Nürburging were cancelled due to fog which prevented the medical helicopter from taking off.

With the FIA naturally keen to avoid a repeat of the lack of track action across Saturday and Sunday, what race director and safety delegate Michael Masi earlier described as a "back-up plan" is to be put into action.

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While it is possible for races to go ahead even with the helicopter grounded, this can only happen if the nearest hospital is a maximum of 20 minutes away by ambulance.

This scenario does not exist at the Nürburgring as the nearest facility is 45 minutes by road in Koblenz.

It is understood the plan in place would see the journey initially begin via road, with any potential casualty transferred to an awaiting helicopter approximately three kilometres from the circuit before then completing the transfer via air.

The FIA is due to confirm the plans on Saturday ahead of the final practice session.

The weather forecast is set for a fairer day of running for final practice and qualifying, but with rain and potential fog due to return on Sunday.

With the plan in place, the FIA, teams and drivers will all be hoping it will allow for the completion of the grand prix.

Before you go...

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