The 45-minute delay to the first official Formula E practice session in Hyderabad was caused by a security error that resulted in dozens of public vehicles entering the track not long before the session was due to begin.
The incident created ugly scenes as motorists clashed with security staff when they became stuck on the circuit as they tried to join a nearby flyover, despite it being sealed off.
These altercations came as security staff tried, initially in vain, to move the drivers of the vehicles on from the track.
Formula E race director Scot Elkins was forced to delay the session three times after efforts to move the vehicles, which included several local tuk-tuks, proved to be fruitless.
The episode started when, inexplicably, the barriers were opened just after the start/finish straight and dozens of vehicles entered what was supposed to be a sealed-off track.
They drove down to the Turn 3 area initially looking to link onto the nearby Telgu Talli Flyover. When they were unable to because the circuit was sealed, several refused to move on and became confused, leading to clashes with security teams.
The Race has acquired images showing the moment that the public vehicles entered the track.
There then followed some mediations to clear the vehicles, although The Race has been told by two eye-witnesses that an element of protest took place.
This is not believed to have been about the event itself but more that drivers were unable to make their way to their preferred route once allowed access to the track.
The vehicles were eventually removed from the track but it was almost 45 minutes before the circuit was made secure again.
The revelations com after the FIA confirmed that the delay came ‘while local authorities resolved an operational issue on the roads around the track’.
The incident is likely to be investigated further before Saturday’s race, which is due to start at 3pm local time.
Preparations for this weekend’s Formula E race have been fraught, with elements of the circuit and its infrastructure being completed within minutes of the first shakedown period starting on Friday.
Herculean efforts were made in the days leading up to the running to make sure teams had workable pit areas, although some elements such as lighting and air conditioning have not been completed.
The track layout has come in for widespread praise but an ugly, dusty circuit led to little meaningful running being completed in the first official session of the day, which was suspended after Pascal Wehrlein crashed his Porsche heavily at Turn 18.
Photos by Andreas Beil
