The Fernando Tormo Circuit in Valencia, Spain, was the scene of the eventful start of the Formula E season tests, where a fire broke out and suspended the scheduled day.
Formula E confirmed that the fire had been brought under control, but that one person has been evaluated by doctors and taken to hospital as a precaution.
The fire followed a suspected explosion in the pit box of battery supplier WAE (formerly known as Williams Advanced Engineering).
Team personnel were immediately evacuated and the area was cordoned off at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.
Suspension
Organizers of the electric single-seater championship confirmed that no further testing would take place and that a decision would be made on whether the rest of the event would continue this week.
“Following today’s incident, the FIA has informed Formula E and all teams that on-track activities have been cancelled for the remainder of the day,” a statement from the tournament said.
“This will allow the area to return to safe working conditions. Information will be provided in due course,” the release added.
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Several teams of the Provincial Consortium of Firefighters were mobilized to the fire to extinguish the fire and check hot spots, since at first the firefighters of the same circuit acted.
Subsequently, the Consortium teams remained in the area as a preventive measure to avoid risks, while the personnel of the circuit took charge of the removal of some lithium batteries that were in the affected area.
Uncertain Causes
It was reported from the circuit that Formula E, the FIA and local fire authorities are investigating the cause and will provide further information in due course.
Following today’s incident, the FIA made it known to Formula E and all teams that activities at the track have been cancelled for the remainder of the day until the facility returns to safe working conditions.
