A local failure of the fiber optic cable caused a failure of the F1 data in Imola

The F1 data system failed at the beginning of the range action and it was quickly switched to a “recovery mode” which allowed basic operations to continue over a satellite link.

However, many functions such as data transmission, on-board cameras and team radios were out of order for at least part of the session.

The fiber failure was resolved during the lunch break and FP2 took place with no further issues after the normal system was reset.

As a result of the COVID-19 restrictions, F1 has moved more of its technical operations off the track back to its UK base in Biggin Hill to reduce the need for staff to travel to races. However, the organization has stressed that today’s failure was local.

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The breakdown caused major problems for the teams as radio communication with the drivers was cut and it was impossible to give the usual instructions on traffic problems when faster cars were approaching from behind.

The lack of contact with the pit wall contributed to a clash between a slow-moving Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez, which spawned a red flag. After a hearing, the stewards took no action on the matter.

“Sure it was a big problem,” said Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto. “I don’t know if we had exactly the same problems on all teams. But it was very difficult for us, especially for Charles [Leclerc], no way to communicate with him.

“It is difficult because you cannot give him any advice on the following cars. Then there can be obstacles that are not at all voluntary, but also very difficult for the driver to know who will come after.”

“In addition, we run our racing power unit because these power units are the ones we put in Bahrain and they will be used for the entire weekend. So when you have problems you obviously don’t know how to react and communicate. Those kinds of problems are so seriously. “

“The experience was a bit strange because we didn’t have any lap times,” said Alfa Romeo boss Fred Vasseur. “We at least had the dates for safety. It was only for the first stint until the middle of the session, so it’s fine with me, it’s not a drama.

“We discussed it after the meeting because the drivers were complaining about the radio, but 20 years ago the boys were able to drive without the radio!”

“Until you lose that type of data, you probably won’t realize how much you rely on it,” said Aston Martin’s Otmar Szafnauer. “It was as if we were blind on the pit wall. Even communication with the driver didn’t work. That made things much more difficult.”