FIA confirms no running until F1 qualifying in Sochi

Due to torrential rain, the FIA was forced to cancel final F1 practice and postpone the first Formula 2 sprint race. 

F2 was re-scheduled for 1340 local time but that will not take place.

While track conditions have improved, the local airport and transport links around the circuit are still being impacted by the weather.

Currently, the local airport is not open and thus the medical helicopter cannot fly.

The FIA hopes F1 qualifying start as scheduled at 1500 local time, with F2’s first sprint race taking place at 1640 local time, should the airport re-open.

Sunset is just after 1800 local time so there’s a limited timeframe for running to take place in Sochi, with the FIA already having a contingency plan in place for Sunday should the conditions worsen again.

A statement from the FIA said: “An updated timetable has been issued with the next session being F1 qualifying at the originally scheduled time. While the conditions at the track have improved, there is still inclement weather in the local area that is affecting the airport and road network. This is why there won’t be any running between now and F1 qualifying, by which time we expect the local airport to reopen so that our medical helicopter can return to being operational and the session can go ahead as planned.”

Valtteri Bottas dominated Friday practice for the Russian Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton.

F1 championship leader Max Verstappen will start from the back of the grid having taken a new engine for this weekend.