F1 Miami GP may be suspended due to lightning threat under FIA safety protocols

The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix issued protocols that could see the race suspended if there is a threat of lightning ahead of the race. 

The race in Miami Gardens around the Miami Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium is scheduled to go ahead at 4pm local time. However, with the threat of thunder storms in the area, safety procedures have been put in place as a precaution. 

A statement from the sport’s governing body, the FIA, said: “The stewards, exercising their power given under Articles 11.9.2.a and 11.9.3.n of the FIA International Sporting Code, decide the following:

“In accordance with local public safety standards there is a possibility that the race can be suspended due to risk of lightning strike at or around the circuit, in order to facilitate all personnel to 'shelter in place' in a relevant location.

“In such circumstance, for the safe and orderly conduct of the event, the following procedures shall apply:

“The race will be suspended in accordance with Article 57 of the Sporting Regulations, all cars must return to the pit lane and stop in the fast lane as described in Article 57.2.

“Once all cars have returned to the pit lane, teams will be informed using the official messaging system that cars must be pushed from the fast lane and returned to the teams’ garages.

“Garage doors must remain open until otherwise instructed. For the avoidance of doubt, any car which was in their garage at the time the race was suspended, or that is moved from the fast lane to any other part of the pit lane without or prior to such instruction being given will be arranged at the back of the line of cars before the resumption in accordance with Article 57.3 or 57.5 respectively.”

Heavy rain caused chaos in the Saturday's sprint race, which saw crashes for Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. Sunday's F1 Academy race was scrapped on due to a downpour.

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