- There has only been one free practice session for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
- Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll was the surprise name at the top of the rankings
- The training session in China was interrupted by a fire on the side of the track
A strange fire on the track unexpectedly halted the first practice session ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Flames began rising from a small patch of grass near turn seven just 15 minutes into the session, causing a red flag to be displayed.
Although a nearby marshal rushed to the scene to put out the fire before it had a chance to take hold, there was still visible damage to the grass when the action resumed shortly after.
The delay was far from ideal preparation for the teams and drivers in what was their only free practice session for this weekend’s race in Shanghai, which sees the return of the sprint race for the first time in 2024.
This is also the first time Formula One has visited this track since 2019, due to strict Covid-19 restrictions in the country, meaning drivers were eager to complete as many laps as possible to reacquaint themselves with the track. Shanghai International Circuit.
Practice for the Chinese GP had to be suspended on Friday morning after a fire broke out on the track.
The session was suspended with a red flag while the soldiers tried to put out the flames next to the track.
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll was the surprise name at the top of the standings in the only free practice session for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
It is not yet known what caused the fire, but it was a surprise given the volume of rain that fell incessantly on the circuit on Wednesday.
There was another surprise in store for the session: Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll finished at the top of the timesheets.
Championship leader Max Verstappen was third fastest ahead of today’s sprint race qualifying session, which starts at 8:30am BST.