Low-hanging fog is the culprit in Germany as Mercedes reports team members test positive for COVID-19.
NURBURG, Germany—October 9th—A storm, which produced a low blanket of fog and heavy rain, caused the cancellation of Friday’s practice for this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. The big question now is what looms for Saturday and Sunday’s race.
The first practice was extended until 11a local time before it was canceled altogether. Officials hoped that the second practice–moved to 3p–could take place, but proper conditions never materialized.
The low fog disabled the ability of the track helicopter to lift off the ground in visible conditions to transport an injured driver to a medical facility in the nearby city of Koblenz, which is 34 miles away from the circuit. So officials made the decision to postpone practice until the fog can clear.
Fog and rain remain in the forecast for the morning hours on Saturday, but the hope is that practice and qualifying can proceed later in the day under partly cloudy skies.
Friday’s cancellation ruined the debut of two Formula 2 drivers: Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time world champion Michael, and Callum Ilott, who intended to pilot Alfa Romeo and Haas cars, respectively. Now each will have to negotiate for another opportunity to test their cars–a prelude to possibly moving up to F1 next season.
In off-track news, Mercedes reported that two of its team members tested positive for COVID-19. Four more members–those who were in close quarters with those two infected members–were now in isolation. A concerned team Manager Toto Wolff said that he might have to pull staff from the factory back in England to cover for those infected.
