The start of the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix was delayed by a thunderstorm.
Heavy rain began to fall just over an hour before the scheduled start of the race, accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Just after 7 p.m. local time, FIA race control unsurprisingly issued a notice stating that the opening of the pit lane and the “full start procedure” had been delayed.
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Further updates kept the race on hold, but just before 8 p.m. local time – when the race was originally scheduled to start – the FIA announced that the official start procedure would begin at 8:05 p.m. local time with the opening from the pit lane for the cars to be on the grid 20 minutes later and the formation lap starting at 9:05 p.m., one hour and five minutes later than scheduled.
The FIA weather radar indicates that the storm has progressed south towards the circuit and if it continues on its current path, it should pass and leave an area of clear weather.
But the radar also indicates a high probability of thunderstorms throughout the evening. Thunderstorms had already hit the Marina Bay area on Saturday as well.
It’s unclear how far the race may go until there are further delays due to additional rains. As this is a night race, the circuit is surrounded by floodlights, so poor lighting will not be a problem.
But there are logistical issues like returning the streets to their normal use for the city on Monday.
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