THE JAPANESE Grand Prix descended into chaos as it was hit by four red flags and two FIRES.
That included an almighty crash involving Jack Doohan whose Alpine was wrecked.
Formula One was back after a week break to kick-off the first triple header of the season at the famous Suzuka Circuit.
But Friday’s second practice session was hit by chaos after the red flag was waved FOUR times.
A massive crash from Alpine rookie Doohan proved to be the spark of a crazy session.
Doohan had smashed into the wall at 185mph at Turn 1 following an issue with his DRS, leaving his car mangled and the Australian out of the session but fortunately able to walk away unharmed.
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Veteran Fernando Alonso followed suit as beached his Aston Martin in the gravel trap which saw another red flag deployed.
The red flag was waved for the third time as a small trackside fire was seen lighting up with around 12 minutes of the session to go.
Sunny and windy conditions had left the trackside grass dry, and paired with the sparks flying from F1 cars as they raced past, it ended up lighting a small fire.
Stewards were able to deal with the grass fire before it become too engulfed and were seen extinguishing it.
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Racing soon got back underway with the fire under control.
However, with seconds of the session to go ANOTHER fire broke out, this one bigger and actively burning the grass as it spread.
Drivers returned to the pitlane without incident as it was dealt with by the stewards.
With Friday’s weather conditions set to hold firm into Saturday qualifying it leaves an anxious wait to see if qualifying will also be hit by a stoppage.
The sunny conditions give way to a colder front ahead of Sunday’s race, with there also being a chance of rain.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri topped the session ahead of team-mate and championship leader Lando Norris, with Racing Bulls’ rookie Isack Hadjar coming in third and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in fourth.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
