There’s been 5 announcements of a 30 minute delay each so far, making it a 2 and a half hours total. The rain is constant, not so heavy but the wind is blowing hard at Circuit Of The Americas making it really difficult for qualifying to take place in a safe environment. Many fans are gathered in the main grandstand an looking for anywhere possible to get cover from the weather but they are NOT leaving showing real loyalty to the sport. Pit crews from different teams and the drivers themselves have found different ways to entertain the cheering crowd, simulating rowing, bob sledding, break dancing and even bowling and playing soccer.
So far classification from Practice 3 would determine the order for tomorrow’s grid being it as follows:
1. L. Hamilton
2. S. Vettel*
3. N. Hulkenberg
4. V. Bottas
5. C. Sainz
6. D. Kvyat
7. K. Raikkonen*
8. D. Ricciardo
9. N. Rosberg
10. F. Massa
11. S. Perez
12. R. Grosjean
13. P. Maldonado
14. F. Alonso
15. M. Ericsson
16. J. Button
17. W. Stevens**
18. A. Rossi
19. F. Nasr
20. M. Verstappen
*Both Ferrari drivers must comply with a 10 place penalty on the grid for changing Engines
**Manor driver must comply with a 20 place penalty on the grid for changing Engine and Turbocharger
It really doesn’t seem likely the qualifying session will take place and some people discuss ideas of it being run tomorrow morning before the race…? A new announcement has just been made that if the weather conditions do not improve by 4pm local time, qualifying will take place tomorrow morning at 9am local time.
