Hurricane Patricia threatens cancellation of Formula One US Grand Prix
Torrential rain and electrical storms wiped out afternoon practice at the United States Grand Prix on Friday, plunging Sunday’s race into doubt as Texas braced for collateral damage caused by Hurricane Patricia.
The scheduled second practice session was initially postponed indefinitely because marshals at the Circuit of the Americas were unable to work because of the close proximity of the lightning.
Hopes of starting the session later were dashed when it was confirmed that practice had been abandoned because the circuit’s medical helicopter would not be allowed to take off for at least two hours due to the conditions.
There’s nothing we can do. It’s alright for those of us who have got jobs and things to do, but I feel sorry for the public
If the conditions persist, as forecast, the race could be delayed or cancelled, many paddock observers said.
The opening free practice session, in the morning, was also hampered by rain and run in damp conditions.
Germany’s Nico Rosberg, who is seeking a victory to keep alive his hopes of wrecking Mercedes teammate and defending two-time champion Lewis Hamilton’s Texan title party, was fastest.
Hamilton was fifth and Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, who is second in the title race, was sixth, but the session was of little value and gave few clues as to the relative competitive potential of the teams.
