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Nia Simpson
F1 Teams Face Freight Delays Ahead of Chinese Grand Prix
Multiple F1 teams, including McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin, are facing freight delays for the Chinese GP, impacting car assembly schedules. Pirelli also experienced shipment issues, but the teams received their freight on Wednesday. Extended work hours are allowed to accommodate these delays, ensuring preparations for the first practice session remain on track.
Several Formula 1 teams are currently experiencing significant freight delays as they prepare for the Chinese Grand Prix. Notably, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Aston Martin have faced issues due to cargo not arriving on time from Australia.
The FIA has acknowledged that Pirelli, the tyre supplier, did not have their freight in Shanghai when anticipated. Nonetheless, they received the necessary equipment in the pitlane by Wednesday afternoon, just before the teams started unpacking.
At least four teams encountered delays due to two flights from Melbourne to Shanghai being postponed by over eight hours. Consequently, they began to unpack and assemble their cars only from 4 PM local time onwards. The FIA has reassured teams that all preparations for the upcoming practice sessions can continue without obstructed timelines.
Typically, teams are allotted five-and-a-half hours to work on their vehicles on Wednesdays, but this has been extended by thirty minutes due to the delays. Fortunately, the first practice session remains unaffected, and teams can work later on their setups during this intensive stretch of racing.
A representative from one team expressed no concerns regarding the planned free practice session but noted, “These days will be some late nights for our mechanics,” indicating the added pressure of the current circumstances as the teams navigate the early season schedule.
Despite the delays, teams are still granted a day-and-a-half to prepare for the only free practice session scheduled for 11:30 AM local time on Friday, suggesting that, while challenging, the situation is manageable for the teams involved.
In summary, multiple F1 teams have faced freight delays affecting preparations for the Chinese Grand Prix, with McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin experiencing particularly significant setbacks. While Pirelli’s freight arrived later than scheduled, teams have been granted additional time to ready their cars. Despite the challenges, there is confidence that the first practice session will proceed without delays, although teams will need to work late into the night to finalize their setups.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
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