The FIA has scrapped curfew restrictions ahead of Formula 1’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix in the wake of the travel disruption caused by the latest conflict in the Middle East.
With teams having been forced to make last-minute changes in getting personnel and freight to Melbourne after normal routes were shut down following the situation in the Middle East, the build-up to the weekend has not been as smooth as had been hoped for.
With some crew members having been delayed by one or more days as alternative flights had to be found, this has put some teams on the backfoot in getting things ready for track action to begin on Friday.
Following discussions between teams and the FIA over the situation, it has been agreed that the normal restrictions on personnel being allowed to work on cars will not be imposed.
In a note that was sent to teams on Wednesday afternoon, the FIA said that, following discussions among the stewards, the normal curfew would not be imposed.
It said this was: “due to force majeure and specifically ongoing travel and freight disruptions experienced in the preparation of the Australian Grand Prix.”
The FIA said that the curfew changes would be made for the first two periods that are imposed ahead of opening practice.
The first restricted period commences 42 hours prior to FP1 and ends 29 hours prior to FP1, while the second one starts 18 hours prior to FP1 and ends four hours before.
During these time periods, any operation personnel and trainee personnel are not permitted within the confines of the circuit.
The changes to the curfew will allow teams to work overnight on Wednesday and Thursday if needed to ensure that cars are ready to hit the track on Friday morning.
The FIA also clarified to teams that had enquired on Wednesday that the pitlane speed limit in Melbourne was not changing for this weekend.
Several media reports had suggested that the arrival of an 11th team with Cadillac would trigger a reduction in the pitlane speed limit to 60km/h.
However, this is not the case and, in light of the stories getting some traction, teams had enquired with race control about the matter as it would obviously have implications on team strategy.
The FIA duly confirmed that the speed limit was remaining at 80km/h.
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