F1: Track sweeper caused Sochi diesel spill

Formula 1 drivers lamented the loss of any meaningful running in Russian Grand Prix first practice after a leak of diesel onto the circuit. It has emerged that a track sweeper vehicle spilled the fuel while it cleaned the circuit on Thursday evening ahead of Friday practice.

"Unfortunately the only dry session was wiped away because of that," said Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen. "They had to wash the circuit – it was a bit useless but what can we do? It's one of those things.

"It's not ideal but it's the same for everyone. We'd rather do the practice in good conditions. We'll try to make the best out of tomorrow."

Red Bull's Daniil Kvyat added: "In Singapore there was a drunk man on track, so these things can happen anywhere. It spoiled FP1 because it was the only dry session and it would have helped the teams to get references for tomorrow. But everyone was in the same position and everyone will have to work harder tomorrow."

Lotus driver Pastor Maldonado described the affected parts of the track as like driving on ice.

"It's quite frustrating," said Maldonado. "We were ready to do everything in FP1 because the weather forecast was bad for the afternoon.

"I've not seen something like this before, maybe when an engine or gearbox breaks, but never as big. We were going very slow and the cars were sliding everywhere. It was like ice, especially in Turn 8 and 9."

Sauber's Felipe Nasr added: "It was very slippery out there so it was difficult to keep the car straight in the places where diesel leaked."

Originally on Autosport.com