It took 48 minutes before any of the F1 drivers ventured out at Spa on Friday afternoon. After that there were only a few in and out laps with the rain on the circuit causing the cars to aquaplane on all the straights. At the end of the session a majority of the drivers ventured out but no serious lap times were set.
The first lap time came three minutes after the chequered flag when there were a rush of lap times, ending up with Charles Pic taking the fastest time ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, Fernando Alonso, Paul di Resta, Pastor Maldonado, Timo Glock, Kamui Kobayashi, Jean-Eric Vergne, Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez.
Sometimes I wonder if Mr Saward missed his calling as a headline writer for The Sun.
And there was I thinking the rain had washed out the “puntastic” headlines also.
Two F1 rookies showing the old guard how it’s done!
It was a tad worrying that so many laps were done after the flag had fallen. I am thinking of marshal safety: are they aware on the other side of the circuit that cars are starting to run again after the end of the session? Just when it should be safe to cross the track to get one’s chips and mayo, suddenly there are cars again.
From a fan point of view (and from somebody’s who had to pay 50 euro for a ticket to see the action on Friday) it was most inconvenient that there was a lack of action. The fans were standing in the rain, soaked, and for 48 minutes there was silence…
From a drivers perspective It was understandable considering the weather, but still. 50 euro is a lot of money. And some of the drivers didn’t even bother to drive a single lap in the 2nd free practice. These drivers could have given us a little bit worth our money, They could, at least, have driven an in and out lap.
But yes, the weather was terrible. I have been going to Spa since 1982, and have seen a lot of rainy days during motor-racing weekends in the Ardennes, but I guess this was one of the worst I have ever experienced at Spa.
I think you would have to pay more than 50euro to guarantee the weather, especially in the Ardennes at this time of year.
A bad year for weather in Nortern Europe, but surely such a fantastic circuit deserves to have an earlier slot in the calender, considering how many wet days there have been in many recent years.
But since they can only afford a race every other year, Bernie won’t worry.
I think he has greater worries on his mind.
That sucks you’ve got a good point – no action = a rip off for rain soaked fans. How about some complimentary hot drinks or something to atleast take the edge off lack of show for full dough.
Complimentary? This is F1………….
Nice thought, but I wonder how much coffee-stall concessions have to pay to be there?
The teams must be incredibly confident in their forecasts to spurn the chance for some wet testing. Is it well placed confidence or misplaced confidence? With the changeable nature of the weather in the Ardennes, it seems foolish to me not to do more wet running!
Yeah i was there to! Will soon leave again for heading to spa! But yesterday was terrible! And dispite the fact i got my tickets sponsored by the RACB i can immagine that 50€ is to expensice for 40 min of F1 in total.
But today and tomorrow will be totally difrent! look for your sunglasses!
See you there!