FP2 call-off washes out first day of Eifel GP running

The weather failed to improve Friday afternoon at the Nürburgring, forcing F1 to scrap the first day of running at the Eifel GP.

Rain, fog and lingering mist prevented F1's medical helicopter from operating on Friday morning, a situation that automatically triggers the cancellation of a session in accordance with FIA rules.

But the inclement weather front continued to hover in the Eifel region in the afternoon, leaving teams endlessly waiting for an all-clear until proceedings were permanently called off at 16h00 local time.

The washed out day has also deprived teams of important data, the collection of which will now be concentrated on Saturday's all-important 60-minute free practice session.

The cancellation also wreaked havoc on the hopes of Ferrari juniors Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott who are scheduled to make their official F1 debut in FP1.

Looking ahead, the forecast for Saturday is calling for overcast skies that should not hamper the day's running, but more rain is expected on Sunday.

"The forecast looks better, but we're also working on some back-up plans should we have a similar situation, to be able to try and work around," said FIA race director Michael Masi although the Aussie did not reveal what the "back-up plans" would entail.

"So we're working on those as we speak. We'll work on the back-up plans and then advise everyone accordingly at the same time."

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