The Japanese Grand Prix faces a ‘massive threat’ from the closing Super Typhoon Phanfone according to the FIA’s official weather service UBIMET.
The race, scheduled to start at 15:00 local time is almost certain to be a wet affair as the typhoon gradually inches closer to the Suzuka circuit with winds between 100-120kph expected.
The governing body had considered bringing the race start forward by a few hours, but with the logistics involved including satellite feeds having already been booked, that plan was abandoned.
UBIMET reports the “rain will largely be persistent – possibly with an occasional drier interlude – but it will also become heavy at times, this more likely after midday”.
The weather company also suggests there may be severe damage to buildings in the area depending on which path the typhoon takes with one simulation having it hit the circuit in the early hours of Monday, whilst others have it passing close to the circuit.
If the predicted conditions become reality, it’s likely the race could be cancelled or completed under the safety car with half points awarded as it wouldn’t reach 75 per cent race distance.
But that might only be half the problem as packing freight and having it flown out of Japan may also prove difficult with the Russian GP the following weekend.
“Typhoon [Phanfone] creates challenges for the Premiere in Sochi,” added UBIMET. “The huge mass of equipment that Formula 1 operates must be dismantled and packed up immediately after the race – Sunday evening into Monday (local time) and after that transported from Japan to Russia. The Grand Prix of Russia takes place on the following Sunday, October 12th. Keeping to this tight schedule will be wholly dependent on how the typhoon behaves and will surely be a tough challenge.”
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