Delayed departure to Monaco: a power cut behind the postponement

Why did the race management decide to delay the start of the Grand Prix, initially scheduled for 15 p.m., when only small drops had crashed into the Principality's port? As a reminder, the formation lap started at 15:16 p.m., and it was at this precise moment that the scattered showers began to fall on the track, leading the race direction to wave the red flag while waiting for it to pass. . The race was finally able to start at 16:05 p.m., more than an hour after the original time.

Initially, the FIA ​​first communicated to explain itself. “Race management was monitoring a heavy downpour that was rapidly approaching the circuit, and when this arrived during the start procedure, the safety car start and its associated procedures were implemented (for several training rounds, editor’s note). This was done for safety reasons given that there was no wet racing this weekend. 

After the race, the FIA ​​finally gave a new reason for this postponement. The first decision, that of suspending the start, was actually linked to a power outage, which did not allow the lights on the starting gantry to work. “ The delay in resuming the race after the heavy downpour was due to a problem with the power supply of the starting systems”, indicated the FIA.

If the system started working again during the race, the FIA ​​preferred not to use it despite a second race restart. A standing start would have been possible in Monaco after the second red flag, but another reason, this time sporting fairness, favored the decision for a rolling start. “The decision to resume the race after the red flag period (related to the crash of Schumacher) behind the safety car was mainly due to concerns that the start systems might not work properly, and the fact that grip levels on the grid were inconsistent due to the drying track. said the Federation.

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