The FIA has made provisions to eliminate the possibility of the Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix being cancelled for the same reasons that Friday practice was abandoned.
Track running was limited to just a handful of laps on Friday because the medical helicopter was unable to operate in the low-lying cloud at the FIA's designated hospital in Shanghai. Under its own sporting code, the FIA will not run a session if it cannot guarantee a transfer time of around 20 minutes to the nearest hospital with neurosurgery capabilities.
In China the closest qualifying hospital is the Huashan Hospital 38km away from the track, meaning a road transfer would take too long. But ahead of Sunday's race, which looks set to take place in poor weather but not the low-lying cloud that affected Friday practice, the FIA has ensured the Ruijin Hospital 5km away from the circuit also has a team of neurosurgeons on standby.
"As explained on Friday, the medical helicopter could not operate during FP1 and FP2 because the low-lying cloud meant that it could not land at the Huashan Hospital," an FIA statement said. "This hospital is the only one nearby with neurosurgery capabilities, however, as it is 38km from the circuit the transfer time by road is likely to be more than 20 minutes (which is the preferred transfer time for seriously injured patients).
"The FIA has therefore looked at the available options to ensure that the race can go ahead even if the medical helicopter cannot operate. The FIA medical delegate, Alain Chantegret and FIA deputy medical delegate, Dr Ian Roberts have further reviewed the facilities at the Ruijin Hospital.
"The Ruijin Hospital is only 5km from the circuit and a ten-minute journey by car but, whilst it is suitable for most anticipated circumstances, it does not have neurosurgery capabilities. However, special arrangements have now been made for a complete neurosurgery team from Huashan Hospital to be present at the Ruijin Hospital on Sunday.
"As a result, and following an inspection by the FIA medical team yesterday afternoon, the FIA is satisfied that the Ruijin Hospital will not only be easily accessible in all weather conditions, but will also be able to provide the required care."
The race is due to start at 15:00 local time.