Tripleheaders are a treat for fans, but they pose a significant challenge for team personnel. This is not only true for Formula 1, but also for the so-called support series teams such as Formula 2 and Formula 3. Frits van Amersfoort and Sander Dorsman explain why it’s a considerable logistical challenge.
A tripleheader, like the ones in Spain, Austria, and England, means that teams must quickly dismantle and set up hospitality spaces and motorhomes. In between, everything must be transported at a rapid pace from one circuit to another. The distance from Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya to the Red Bull Ring is a little over 1,600 kilometers that had to be covered by road. Now, the entire caravan is heading to Silverstone, and that distance, apart from the boat trip, is also a hefty 1,500 kilometers.
Frits van Amersfoort, the team boss of Van Amersfoort Racing, suggests that it’s practically madness. “We were going to cross via Calais, but there are likely to be strikes there. We don’t want to take that risk, so we’re diverting to Hoek van Holland. Fortunately, we were able to arrange a spot on the boat.”
Race Against the Clock
The race against the clock is made even more difficult by the regulations of the so-called tachograph, which monitors whether drivers adhere to driving and rest times. “That’s why I also take the wheel during the journey,” says Van Amersfoort. “It’s the only way for us to catch the boat.”
“It really is a race against the clock,” agrees MP Motorsport team boss Sander Dorsman in the F2 paddock of Austria. “Especially because of the boat crossing, it’s all very tight. It all just works out, but we can’t afford to get a flat tire on the way.”
After the upcoming weekend, the teams can take a brief respite before the next race weekend is already upon them.
