The start of the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix was delayed by a thunderstorm.
A little over an hour before the race was scheduled to start, heavy rain began, accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Shortly after 7 p.m. local time, the FIA race control unsurprisingly issued a message that the opening of the pit lane and the “entire starting process” had been delayed.
brb, go swimming pic.twitter.com/k1H1GzdlxS
– Scuderia AlphaTauri (@AlphaTauriF1) October 2, 2022
Further updates kept the race on hold, but just before 8pm local time – when the race was originally due to start – the FIA announced that the formal starting procedure would begin at 8:05pm local time, with the pit lane opening for cars, to get on the grid 20 minutes later and the formation lap starts at 21:05, one hour and five minutes later than scheduled.
FIA weather radar indicates the storm has advanced south towards the circuit and, if continuing on its current trajectory, should pass leaving a clear weather patch.
But the radar also indicates a strong risk of thunderstorms throughout the evening. Thunderstorms had already hit the area around Marina Bay on Saturday.
It’s unclear how long the race may last before experiencing further delays from additional rain. As this is a night race, the track is floodlit so poor lighting is not a problem.
But there are logistical issues such as the roads returning to their normal use for the city on Monday.
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