Circuit atmosphere – fire extinguishers held by trackside marshals. April 5, 2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Round 4, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Practice Day.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) intends to conduct a more thorough investigation into the two instances of grass fires that caused interruptions during the opening day of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend in Formula 1.
During the single practice hour at the Shanghai International Circuit, the session was halted after 15 minutes due to the peculiar sight of smoking grass on the inside of Turn 7. Marshals quickly responded to the situation, and the session resumed within five minutes. However, the issue reoccurred during the opening segment of the subsequent Sprint Qualifying.
An initial assessment suggests that sparks from the ground effect cars may have been caught in the gusts of wind and blown onto the grass, causing the fires. However, due to the absence of recent visits to China in the past five seasons, there is no historical precedent to support this theory.
The FIA had already inspected the area where the small fire had occurred between the two sessions. However, they now plan to commence a more in-depth examination before tomorrow’s events.
There are theories suggesting that the Shanghai circuit, built on a swamp, may have led to methane gas rising to the surface and igniting. Autosport reports that the FIA’s initial evaluation found no abnormal smells or evidence in the sector that would indicate any issues.
With the truncated Sprint scheduled to take place tomorrow, the governing body of the sport will be eager to prevent any further disruptions to the racing. McLaren’s Lando Norris will lead the field in the 19-lap race, which will begin at 11:00 am local time. Lewis Hamilton, a six-time winner in China, will start alongside him on the front row.