Earlier start times in Russia, lunch during qualifying

The F1 Circus settled this weekend in Sochi, on the Black Sea in Russia. Normally not such a special weekend, but in 2020 it will be. Indeed, depending on where you draw the line, this will be the first Grand Prix outside the European continent.

In a world burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a remarkable achievement that this has been achieved. Certainly in view of the fact that the virus hits Russia a lot harder than in most Western European countries.

In addition to the fact that one has to be careful, this also means the first serious time change in the schedule this year. In Sochi, we are two hours ahead of continental Europe, and so we have to be a little earlier in front of the television.

In order to accommodate the European and also American public on Saturday, the F1 organisation has postponed the times by one hour. The third free practice session will therefore start at 10:00 GMT and the qualifying session at 13:00.