Formula One is preparing to adjust its plans in order to avoid the travel chaos in northern Europe.
Teams face delays ahead of Spanish Grand Prix
Formula One is preparing to adjust its plans in order to avoid the travel chaos created by the volcanic ash cloud over northern Europe.
The vast majority of teams will face lengthy delays leaving Shanghai after the Chinese Grand Prix as they are based in areas affected by the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull.
The transportation of all the equipment needed for a grand prix weekend is already a huge logistical exercise, with the major flight disruptions providing a further headache.
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh even suggested using the trans-Siberian railway to move the freight back to Europe if all else fails.
"It will be a challenge, but we'll find a way, even if it is the trans-Siberian railway," he said.
"We are not so much worried about the people because we will find a way home, but we have got to get the cars back, and we haven't had any word yet from the freight."
Plans disrupted
With many teams planning upgrades before the start of the European leg of the season in Barcelona on May 9, the delays may prove to be a major inconvenience.
Whitmarsh added: "We have a range of upgrades that we hope to put on for Barcelona so that could be a bit chaotic if we don't get the freight back."
However, Formula One freight manager Alan Woollard believes that the three-week gap before the Spanish Grand Prix will ease the disruption.
The Briton, who is responsible for transporting 700 tons of cars and equipment, is confident a solution will be found in time.
"If you had to pick a time for this to happen, it would be just before a three-week break," he told
Reuters.
"We'll get the stuff to the airport tonight and hopefully in a week, the airways will be cleared and we can fly it out then.
"If it gets much past that, then we'll consider taking it straight to Barcelona for the next race.
"I don't know why everyone's getting so excited about it, there's nothing we can do."
