Formula 1 officials are closely following the path of Typhoon Hagabis as it approaches Japan ahead of this weekend’s race at Suzuka.
The storm, which has been forecast to hit the country all week, has evolved somewhat since those initial predictions with only Saturday now expected to see the full force of the wind and rain.
Already, that has led to the cancellation of two Rugby World Cup games planned for Saturday, including England vs. France in Tokyo where the Typhoon is expected to pass through.
With the potential for flooding rains, Japan’s F4 championship has also already cancelled their planned support races at Suzuka and there is a strong possibility that qualifying could be pushed back to Sunday morning.
If so, it would mark the third time in just the past 15 years that a typhoon has caused F1 to alter their weekend schedule, doing so in 2004 and 2010.
The big relief is Sunday’s forecast is for sunny skies, which means no repeat of the disastrous 2014 race, which of course saw the ultimately fatal crash of Jules Bianchi.
“The FIA, Formula 1, Suzuka Circuit and the Japanese Automobile Federation are closely monitoring Typhoon Hagibis and its potential impact on the 2019 FIA Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix,” a statement read.
“Every effort is being made to minimise disruption to the Formula 1 timetable, however, the safety of the fans, competitors and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit remains the top priority.
“All parties will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates in due course.”