General

FIA retains the option of completely deleting grid procedure

FIA retains the option of completely deleting grid procedure

25-06-2020 16:49 Last update: 17:59

GPblog.com

In order to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading during one of the grand prix weekends, the FIA has produced a whole book of measures and restrictions. This will influence the race itself as little as possible, but one of the moments when this can happen is just before the start.

Normally the starting grid prior to a grand prix is a hustle and bustle. The teams are working at full speed to get the cars ready in the best possible condition and there are media and VIPs in between. This is not possible under the current circumstances.

The VIPs will in any case not be present the press is strongly reduced and limited in their freedom of movement. But also the teams will be restricted in this case. The FIA only allows 40 people per team on the grid. Moreover, they must be off the grid sooner. That is now five minutes before the start, instead of three.

However, there is still a chance that the whole procedure will be reversed. If it turns out that the presence of team members on the grid is too risky at all, the FIA will consider starting the start procedure from the garage boxes from now on. The drivers will then immediately do a warm-up lap from the pits and then start immediately.