Is this WC or a local race?

Folks, sorry for not giving update on what is happening at the WC in Miami. Today the qualification rounds was suppose to start. Well, they did to some extent.... the first heat was run this morning but then everything was stopped! Reasons? A hugh discussion started if tire treatment should be allowed or not. Obviously some drivers have been using it as the IFMAR rules, for some strange reasons, does not prohibit it. Although there was a letter sent out in January from IFMAR stating that it will not be allowed.
One interesting thing was that IFMAR officials, during practice rounds, was spraying ethanol on the tires to neutralize any kind of tire treatment. The funny thing is that according to some (famous electric) drivers the ethanol made the traction even better!! What a mess!

You can imagine the loud discussions going on between drivers, officials and other people.... Ok, finally IFMAR decided to call all drivers for a meeting. Each block (EFRA, FEMCA...) called together their drivers to get their opinion. In the EFRA block we were against any kind of tire treatment. Some countries was very clear that if tire treatment would be allowed they will leave the WC....
The question was how to enforce the rule ... finally we came to the conclusion that tire impound would be the best if possible to handle. This was then taken by EFRA officials to meeting with the other blocks and luckely the EFRA suggestion was agreed by all blocks. So, now we have to handle in all tires to be used during qualifacation. When you need to true them, you get your bag with tires and you can start trueing with officials present to make sure you are not cheating. Then you have to hand them in again. When you are going out for qualifying you will get them in the warm up area.... Who said it is easy to attend major races?.....

Will all this mess todays two qualification rounds was cancelled which means that there will be 4 rounds instead of 6. Let us hope that weather stays as it is (sun, 32-35 degres). To have some actions going on today there was at least one additional practice. And how did it go for us? Not so good, the rear belt did slide of the gear axle pulley after two laps?!?!? Never happend before but better that it happend in practice then in qualifcation.

Tomorrow there will be more pictures then text and hopefully some good news from our first 2 rounds.

Till next time folks!