Following huge hype surrounding F1’s newest track, the event got off to an inauspicious start after the first free practice session was called off because a drain cover had broken free and was hit by two cars.
First, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz ran over the cover on the main straight, which badly damaged his car as he came to a halt at the side of the circuit.
“We are checking the damage caused to Carlos’ car when he hit the manhole cover, which seems quite extensive,” Ferrari reported.
Then, just moments later after the red flag had been called out, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon struck the same cover – and suffered serious damage to the front his car.
His French manufacturer outfit has already confirmed it needs to work on a replacement chassis for the remainder of the weekend.
Alpine’s interim team principal Bruno Famin told Sky Sports F1 about the possibility of getting back out on track later: “Not totally impossible. It should not be ready but I don’t know.
“If FP2 is a bit longer, if it is one-and-a-half hours which I have heard could be possible, we have a possibility to be back on the track before the end of FP2.”
With the FIA trying to better understand the situation and the circumstances that caused the manhole cover to come loose, the fate the second free practice session remains uncertain.