The FIA plans to conduct a deeper investigation into the two grass fires that contributed to stoppages on the opening day of Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix weekend.
The single practice hour at the Shanghai International Circuit was halted 15 minutes in amid the bemusing sight of a section of grass on the inside of Turn 7 smoking.
Although the session would resume within five minutes as marshalls attended the scene, the issue recurred during the opening segment in the latter Sprint Qualifying.
A nascent assessment was drawn up that the sparks from underneath the current ground effect cars were being caught in the gusts and getting blown onto the grass.
But there is no historical precedence to base that thesis on as the implications that emanated from the pandemic have meant F1 has not visited China in five seasons.
The FIA had visited the patch where the small fire had erupted in between the two sessions but now plans to commence a more intensive examination prior to tomorrow.
Theories have been triggered that the Shanghai venue being built on a swamp has contributed to methane gas trickling up to surface level and then getting caught afire.
According to Autosport, the FIA’s initial evaluation concluded that there were no abnormal smells or evidence in the sector that suggested something could be amiss.
But with the truncated Sprint to take place tomorrow to continue the action, the sport’s governance will be keen to prevent a repeat from providing disruption to the racing.
McLaren’s Lando Norris will head the field for the 19-lap race that will commence at 11:00 am local time, with Lewis Hamilton – a six-time winner in China – on the front row.
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