[RuttyUttepe]

No flights back into the UK and much of Europe for at least another day, and even then a massive backlog. The teams all have personnel and equipment on another continent, and normally would use 6 Boeing 747s to bring them home.

It's a massive problem for the likes of Virgin who will need the three week gap to fit new fuel tanks with all the work that entails; it's also a pain for anyone who needs to make modifications to move their mirrors to comply with the FIA's instructions in time for Spain.

It's possible to fly into southern Europe then drive or get a train north, but it's still a logistical nightmare.

There's a good article on Autosport here:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/83000

[standaman]

It's possible to fly into southern Europe then drive or get a train north, but it's still a logistical nightmare.

What's the big deal about? It will take a day longer to get them with trucks from Spain or Italy to home, that's all.

[RuttyUttepe]

The big deal is trying to get several hundred people onto flights and trains which will already be rammed.

[bribiaLaubysdggf]

TAD will make some electronic goggles that eat ash and MS will finally win a race.

[standaman]

The big deal is trying to get several hundred people onto flights and trains which will already be rammed.

They can rent or even buy cars or bussed for the people once they are in southern Europe. And they all have the needed trucks to move equipment around Europe.

It is slightly more challenging than just flying home, but life isn't always about honey and everyone will do just fine.

[standaman]

TAD will make some electronic goggles that eat ash and MS will finally win a race.

Same broken record.

[soonahonsefalh]

Although its a problem, I think 3 weeks should be enough time to get every sorted. Maybe mean the teams won't be able to upgrade the cars as much but needs must.

[BariGrootrego]

hang on, Richard Branson own's Virgin Atlantic, and Tony Fernandes owns AirAsia-surely they could pull some strings within their own companies and arrange flights to southern europe, if it is still possible to fly into southern spain they could get there and then drive up either home or to barcelona.

there is a solution here gentlemen, and it concerns a couple of team owners.

[RuttyUttepe]

There's talk that the freight might be flown directly to Spain and not return to the teams' bases at all.

[RuttyUttepe]

@MikeGascoyne Good news is that the boss owns an airline

[socialkiiii]

Some teams are talking about booking tickets for the Trans-Siberian railway, according to Autosport...

[CesseOveldset]

I hear Berie wants to build a track on the Volcano.

[standaman]

There's talk that the freight might be flown directly to Spain and not return to the teams' bases at all.

That would be a mistake given that they have 3 weeks at disposal and they would only lose 1 day compared to the ideal situation.

[standaman]

I hear Berie wants to build a track on the Volcano.

[HakSpeame]

There's talk that the freight might be flown directly to Spain and not return to the teams' bases at all.

That's the solution, of course. Spain's airports currently remain completely open. Since FOM have their own aircraft, they can fly them anywhere they please, so it would be no big deal to make sure they stay well south of the ash cloud.

As for the teams based in the UK. Then even if the cars are flown into Barcelona, they still have plenty of time to send a transporter down to meet them, bring them back to the UK to work on and then truck them back down to Barcelona. For most of us that would be a very expensive proposition, but not for an F1 team!

Even I'm considering driving to Barcelona to get a flight!

[gundos]

it will depend on how long it is active and blowing ash for

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp.../?R=EPI-123519
The Japanese MotoGP race, scheduled to take place this Sunday (April 25) has been postponed until October 3 because of on-going European travel chaos caused by an Icelandic volcano.

[ebonytipchik]

Sorry, misunderstood - I thought "Icelandic Volcano" were another team trying to enter F1 in 2011

WT

[standaman]

Most of the European airspace has been opened for flights again. All this story about teams having troubles returning to base was just a storm in a tea cup.

[boxcigsnick]

Most of the European airspace has been opened for flights again. All this story about teams having troubles returning to base was just a storm in a tea cup.

Where did you hear that? Last I heard (about an hour ago) UK airspace which was planned for partial reopening at 1pm was being put on hold due to an increase in ash being blown pur way following the most active phase a couple of days ago.

[Karinochka]

The volcanic ash has a tendency to affect the weather. We might end up seeing more rain and cooler temperatures for a few years.