Chinese Grand Prix to go ahead on Sunday despite fog fear
The Chinese Grand Prix will attempt to go ahead on Sunday as planned despite the prospect of more fog in Shanghai come race day, with the idea of a Saturday race formally dismissed.
Discussions had taken place between the FIA, drivers and teams about the prospect of bringing the race forward to Saturday over concerns the fog that grounded the medical helicopter will return on Sunday,
However, following the drivers' briefing, it is understood he governing body has told drivers it is confident the fog won't be as serious come race day and the cloud will be high enough for the medical helicopter to operate properly.
"Someone mentioned it, but it was very clear that it was not going to happen," revealed Sauber's Marcus Ericsson.
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Only 20mins of track action took place during the two free practice sessions around the Shanghai International Circuit due to thick fog in and around the venue.
Though the damp conditions were good enough for cars to head out on track, with the medical helicopter unable to operate should it be needed because of heavy fog at the hospital landing point some 40km away, the precaution was taken to halt proceedings altogether.
Whilst Saturday weather looks relatively clear, forecasts on Sunday had raised concerns the fog - which was enough to close Shanghai airport on Friday - would return and disrupt proceedings.
Regardless, drivers will have just a single hour to get their cars set-up in time for qualifying, with no change to the itinerary expected despite the minimal running so far.
No F1 session can take place without good accessibility to a hospital. On the occasion a helicopter cannot be used, emergency road access is considered, as it was during the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix in Fuji. However, it is understood the hospital is situated too far to be accessed by road in case of emergency, necessitating the use of the helicopter only.
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