Typhoon could blow Japan GP off course
Massive, violent storm projected to touch down in Tokyo area over the weekend
SUZUKA, Japan — Organizers of Japan’s Formula One Grand Prix have cancelled all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday due to the approach of Typhoon Hagibis.
Originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, the hour-long qualifying session that decides the grid order for the race will now be held Sunday morning, according to a revised schedule issued by organizers.
The final practice session, which would normally take place before qualifying, will not be held. The race will go ahead as planned Sunday afternoon. Drivers said earlier they trusted organizers to make the right call regarding any changes to the event schedule.
The storm, categorized as a super typhoon, is predicted to be one of the most violent to hit the region in recent years and expected to strike the Tokyo area this weekend. The 5.8-kilometre Suzuka track, about 300 km southwest of Tokyo, is expected to feel the brunt of it Saturday.
F1 organizers held off on a decision until late Thursday night, saying they were working to minimize disruption to the weekend timetable and keeping a close eye on the advance of the storm with safety the priority.
“I think it’s pretty clear if the typhoon is going to come here there’s no way we can drive,” said Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, whose godfather, Jules Bianchi, suffered ultimately fatal head injuries in a crash at the 2014 Japanese race after rain from the approaching Typhoon Phanfone drenched the track. “But in my previous experience … they’ve always been quite safe with the conditions.”
Five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who leads Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas by 73 points in the overall standings with five races left, said he was sure organizers were prepared.
“I think they do the utmost they can. I’m sure they already have procedures in place to move it (qualifying) to the Sunday morning.”