Formula 1
No threat to Spain GP as volcanic ash eases
Despite earlier fears that the race was endangered, the Spanish Grand Prix next month will not be affected by the European ash cloud. As all the sport's freight - including the cars - were stranded in Shanghai with FOM's six 747s unable to leave ...
GMM
Edited: Apr 23, 2010, 3:26 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Despite earlier fears that the race was endangered, the Spanish Grand Prix next month will not be affected by the European ash cloud.
As all the sport's freight - including the cars - were stranded in Shanghai with FOM's six 747s unable to leave Europe, it was feared earlier this week that the fifth round of the world championship might have to be called off.
But although many F1 figures have in recent days been zig-zagging back to Europe via a host of bizarre routes, European airports and routines were returning to normal throughout Wednesday as the ash cloud subsided -- even though the volcano in Iceland is still erupting.
Air China said flights to Europe are now departing.
"Eurocontrol expects approximately 21,000 flights to take place today (Wednesday) in European airspace. On a normal Wednesday, we would expect 28,000," the air control organisation said in a statement.
Circuit de Catalunya chief Ramon Prederas said on Thursday that "everything is in place" for the May 5 Spanish Grand Prix.
"We are ready and working with absolute normality. The cloud of the volcano did not affect us," he is quoted as saying by Diario Sport, revealing that ticket sales are currently 10 per cent higher than at the same time last year.
It is also believed that F1's freight landed successfully in Bilbao, Spain, where the team's empty trucks were headed on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, contrary to earlier reports, Bernie Ecclestone did in fact give Sebastian Vettel - as well as Michael Schumacher - a seat on his private plane for a return trip to the UK.
Lotus' AirAsia charter has now arrived in Europe from Kuala Lumpur, and Nico Hulkenberg touched down in Zurich ahead of his return home to the UK.
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article No quick fix to lack of Williams pace - Barrichello
Next article More pundits back Schumacher amid criticism
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
GMM
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Formula 1
Formula 1
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Formula 1
Formula 1
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Formula 1
Formula 1
Chinese GP
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
More from
Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel gives update on F1 future as he opens up on life after retirement
Formula 1
Formula 1
Azerbaijan GP
Sebastian Vettel gives update on F1 future as he opens up on life after retirement
Sebastian Vettel: F1 must combine “things we love” with sustainable future
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sebastian Vettel: F1 must combine “things we love” with sustainable future
Latest news
F1 United States GP live commentary and updates - Will Kimi Antonelli become champion?
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
14 min
F1 United States GP live commentary and updates - Will Kimi Antonelli become champion?
Charles Leclerc reacts to Ferrari fear: 'We know what line not to cross'
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
2 h
Charles Leclerc reacts to Ferrari fear: 'We know what line not to cross'
Kyle Busch Remembered: Rowdy's wildest and most impressive Talladega moments
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
3 h
Kyle Busch Remembered: Rowdy's wildest and most impressive Talladega moments
Lamborghini World Finals PRO-PRO/AM Race 2: Leitch/Stasi dominate to seal title
Lamborghini Super Trofeo
LBST Lamborghini Super Trofeo
World Finals - Monza 2026
4 h
Lamborghini World Finals PRO-PRO/AM Race 2: Leitch/Stasi dominate to seal title
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe