The FIA is discussing a possible postponement of the start

      The weather will turn bad in Melbourne on Sunday, with rain and thunderstorms. The FIA is considering the possibility of postponing the start time of the Grand Prix in order to be able to maneuver in case of deterioration of conditions.

      It is not expected that the rain will be heavy enough to delay the start of the race, but the FIA is monitoring developments. The FIA understands that it is risky to move the start time of Sunday's race forward – there is no artificial lighting of the track in Albert Park, and it gets dark early in the evening.

      The riders were informed about the possible postponement options during the briefing. The safety car protocol was also discussed there.

      Racers are concerned that the safety car cannot drive at sufficient speed in conditions of prolonged rain, as a result, the tires cool down and lose traction.

      It was decided that, if necessary, the riders would first follow the safety car, and after a few laps, the race directorate would switch to the virtual safety car scenario – this would allow the riders to ensure sufficient tire temperature, reducing the threat of incidents.