– The Formula 1 season opener at the Australian Grand Prix seems to be able to go ahead without major disruptions. Despite the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the teams have now arrived in Melbourne.
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The joint attacks by the USA and Israel on Iran, which led to retaliatory strikes against nations in the Middle East – including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain – have dominated world news in recent days.
While the official civilian death toll, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, exceeded the 1,000 mark on Wednesday, the massive travel restrictions at the central hubs of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha are only a side note that loses significance in light of the tragedy.
Charter flights via Tanzania and Singapore
Nevertheless, the closure of the region presented Formula 1 personnel with several challenges on their way to the season opener in Melbourne this weekend.
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While the teams rerouted their personnel individually, Formula 1 has, according to information from Motorsport.com, additionally booked three alternative charter flights via Tanzania and Singapore. This was to ensure that staff essential for the running of the event arrive in Melbourne on time. The majority arrived by Tuesday evening.
On Wednesday, none of the teams contacted by Motorsport.com reported operational problems as a result of the late arrival. Nevertheless, they collectively asked the world governing body FIA to relax the usual curfew hours during a Grand Prix weekend.
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FIA reacts with “force majeure”
The world governing body subsequently announced on Wednesday that, due to “force majeure,” it would not enforce the standard curfew hours for Wednesday and Thursday nights. These rules normally keep personnel working directly on the cars away from the paddock.
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“We would like to inform you that after consultation with the stewards of the event, due to force majeure – and specifically due to the ongoing travel and freight disruptions in the preparation for the Australian Grand Prix – the provisions of Article B9.5.1a (‘Restricted Period 1’) and Article B9.5.1b (‘Restricted Period 2’) will not apply at this competition,” the FIA announced.
According to the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, these periods correspond to Wednesday and Thursday nights:
– “Restricted Period One”: Begins 42 hours before the scheduled start of the first free practice and ends 29 hours before the start of the first free practice.
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– “Restricted Period Two”: Begins 18 hours before the scheduled start of the first free practice and ends four hours before the start of the first free practice.
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