The race weekend has returned in F1, with all motorheads turning their attention to the picturesque city of Spielberg. The Red Bull Ring is all set to host the biggest names in F1 racing as Max Verstappen and the Red Bull constructors look to extend their reign at the top of the standings for the 2023 season but the likelihood of rain is a big point of contention this time around.
What is the weather like in Spielberg ahead of the Austrian GP?
Friday
The race weekend spans three days. This weekend will see only one practice session as opposed to the usual three because of the Sprint race which will take place on Saturday. But Rain showers are scheduled for Friday (June 30) afternoon, according to Weather. com.
Between 3 and 7 pm local time (6:30 10:30 pm IST), which is bang in the middle of the practice session as well as qualifying for the race, there is a 30% chance of rain as well as an overcast weather condition. This increases the chances of weather playing an important role in the qualification round as the wet tires come into play.
Saturday
These rains are expected to continue through the night as well as the morning of Saturday, heading into the second sprint race of the season. From 9 am and 2 pm local time (12:30 pm to 5:30 pm IST), bang in the middle of the sprint shootout, i.e qualification for the Sprint race, the chances of rain is no lower than 80 per cent. In such conditions, race experts predict another dominating performance from Red Bull
Sunday
The Austrian GP, which will be the ninth race of the 2023 season, is set to have more favourable conditions on the main day of the race. On Sunday, July 2. The temperature is set to rise from 18 degrees to 24 degrees as sunny skies are predicted in the But the afternoon might bring with it rain once again, as the weather forecast shows a 35 per cent chance of precipitation.
Austrian Grand Prix Race Timings:
June 30
Practice 1
5:00-6:00 pm IST
Race Qualifying
8:30-9:30 pm IST
July 1
Sprint Shootout
8:30-4:14 pm IST3
Sprint
8:00 - 8:30 PM ist
July 2
Race
6:30 pm IST
Where to watch the Austrian GP?
Indian fans can watch the Austrian GP if they have a premium subscription of F1TV.
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