FIA Adjusts Chinese GP Wednesday Curfew After Pirelli Tyre Delay
The FIA has modified Formula 1’s Wednesday night “Restricted Period 1” curfew for the Chinese Grand Prix after logistical issues delayed the arrival of Pirelli tyres at the Shanghai circuit.
To address the disruption, each team will be allowed six personnel on track during curfew, but they will only be permitted to prepare tyres.
F1 race director Rui Marques explained:
“Due to the logistical challenges for the tyre supplier resulting from delays in freight arrival, specifically the requirement to revise the fitting scheduled for Wednesday, the following concessions have been made:
On Wednesday, and for this competition only, Restricted Period 1 will be reduced by six hours for a maximum of six operational personnel per competitor for the sole purpose of tyre preparation post tyre fitting by the tyre supplier.”
This marks the second consecutive race where the curfew has been altered due to travel and freight disruptions.
At the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, both Restricted Period 1 and Period 2 were suspended after travel issues left some teams, including Ferrari and Racing Bulls, delayed in their preparations. Crew members had been stranded in Italy before eventually reaching the circuit, leaving teams behind schedule.
Marques added that, following consultation with the stewards, force majeure circumstances allowed for the curfew adjustments:
“Due to ongoing travel and freight disruptions experienced in preparation for the Australian Grand Prix, the provisions of Article B9.5.1a (Restricted Period 1) and Article B9.5.1b (Restricted Period 2) shall not apply at this competition.”
The adjustment ensures that teams can complete essential tyre preparations while accommodating the logistical challenges ahead of race weekend.