Formula 2 struggles with technical issues as season begins in Melbourne
A 15-minute shakedown has been added to the schedule in Melbourne after a number of cars experienced random power cuts.
MELBOURNE–A number of cars in the FIA Formula 2 championship reported random power cuts during Friday running at the Australian Grand Prix, leading organisers to add an extra 15-minute shakedown to the schedule.
"Following today's Free Practice, it was found that power cuts randomly affected several cars, which compromised their performance," read a statement from Formula 2 officials.
"A solution was implemented ahead of the Qualifying session, but the issue is only partially solved."
Issues continued into qualifying, with a number of teams reportedly impacted.
One of the cars impacted was that of Trident driver Sami Meguetounif, who was investigated for crossing the white line at pit entry and pulling into pit lane during qualifying.
Drivers must stay either side of the line and have committed to continue their lap or enter the pit lane prior to the beginning of the white line.
Meguetounif escaped penalty after the team explained the car had lost power, as he briefly tried to restart the car before pulling over into pit lane.
The fifteen-minute session will allow teams to test their cars, and must be run on the "travel" tyres issued to teams for use in moving the car onto the track or between locations at the circuit.
Teams will also be able to use spare planks and brake discs to minimise wear on race parts.
"Together with the FIA and the Formula 2 teams, Formula 2 is hard at work to understand the origin of the problem and to find a full fix," concluded the statement from the series promoters.
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