Weather. What can you do?
Now, imagine you are shopping for a new automobile. A sedan, sports coupe… perhaps a convertible. The anticipation of the choice, the test drive… Perhaps the thoughts of that first getaway embraced by new car smell as scenery passes by fighting for your attention from the rolling road.
…And it is raining. There is little you can do. The schedule is set. You take what you can.
It just so happens your new car sports an engine producing around 800 horsepower, has no fenders, no top, no cup holders and only one seat.
The first race of the 2013 Formula 1 season was welcomed in Melbourne, Australia with rain during practice forcing the later sessions to be re-scheduled to run on race day. The weather should be a little better.
But think of it. You’re all set for some road hugging, straight up speed and you get rain and wet roads and soaked clothing. None of us really like driving in the rain. There is the run out to the car, fumbling with the keys while rain gets in your collar and you can feel your hair flattening to your forehead. The rain flies into the car as you jump in only to have your coat get caught in the door. The cooler temperature makes the damp feel thick. The wipers rhythm is annoying. Everybody else on the road is annoying. Visibility is frustrating.
Multiply all of that by a speed factor of 3, maybe 4, and put yourself in a convertible with the top down and the fenders stripped away. Now you might be able to grasp the concept of a bad day at the office for a Formula 1 driver.
Race time weather is set for some sun and a 65 degree high. The ROLEX Australian Grand Prix will go on. The Formula 1 season is on the table and on the track.