F1 team calls for FIA action after four… Read more
The Japanese Grand Prix has been disrupted by multiple track fires, leading to significant loss of running time during free practice sessions. Four fires have already been reported, which have caused major interruptions, frustrating teams as they attempt to prepare for the race weekend.
Williams has voiced strong concerns and called on the FIA to take action before qualifying to prevent any further track fires. The third practice session (FP3) saw two additional fires, both of which led to red flags. The first fire occurred just six minutes into the session at Turn 12, and the second fire took place at 130R, resulting in another red flag and an early end to FP3. These incidents followed two fires that had already caused delays during the second practice session on Friday, compounding the frustration of the teams.
The fires in FP3 were especially costly, as they prevented many drivers from completing their full qualifying simulations. Drivers such as Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz were unable to finish their runs, hampering their preparation for qualifying. Williams team principal James Vowles explained the impact, saying that the fires disrupted the drivers’ ability to get into a rhythm, particularly since a couple of laps on fresh soft tires are essential to setting up a qualifying simulation. Without the ability to complete these laps, the teams, including Williams, were left at a disadvantage.
In response to the fires that occurred on Friday, the FIA had implemented some preventive measures, such as watering and cutting the grass in certain parts of the track. However, these efforts were not enough to prevent the fires from happening again during FP3, raising concerns that qualifying could also be affected. Vowles expressed his belief that the early stages of qualifying could be chaotic as teams attempt to avoid any further incidents. He suggested that the best way for teams to protect themselves from further disruptions would be to run earlier in qualifying, as that could potentially avoid the worst of the conditions.
The FIA has acknowledged the issue and confirmed that additional measures will be taken ahead of qualifying in an effort to prevent any more fires. Williams has insisted that these measures are necessary to ensure the safety of the event and to avoid further delays. While the FIA’s initial efforts were appreciated, Vowles emphasized that more robust solutions are needed to ensure that the fires do not continue to disrupt the weekend. He reiterated that, despite attempts to wet the turf, further action is required to ensure that the track conditions are safe for the remainder of the race weekend.
