FORMULA ONE bosses are monitoring typhoon Hagibis, which threatens to cancel Saturday’s qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Japanese Meteorology Agency say the super typhoon will hit Japan on Saturday and Sunday, bringing with it violent winds and heavy rain.
The worst conditions are expected on Saturday, where gusts of up to 140mph are predicted, which would rule out qualifying.
And F1 spokesperson said: “It’s not the first time a typhoon is threatening the race here in Suzuka so there are already plans in place to react if the threat will become more realistic.
“Obviously, we’re monitoring the situation together with the FIA, the promoter and the local authorities.”
A spokesman from the FIA added: “As normal we continually monitor the weather at Formula 1 events and are working closely with the circuit organisation, the Japanese Automobile Federation and Formula One to react as necessary should any timetable changes be required.
“This is, of course, not the first time that inclement weather has been a possibility at the Japanese Grand Prix so the procedures here are well practiced.”
The devastating typhoon is also threatening the rugby World Cup.
After becoming one of the most dramatic intensifications of tropical cyclones since records began, Hagibis is due to smash its way through Tokyo at the weekend.
Initially it was due to threaten Ireland’s crunch fixture against Samoa in Fukuoka on Saturday.
But the predicted path has swung east and as it stands it is due to hit the capital and Yokohama where England are playing on Saturday.
If the game is called off then it will be marked down as a scoreless draw.
It is not the first time the Japanese Grand Prix has been hit by a typhoon.
In 2004 qualifying was postponed until Sunday.
The same happened in the 2010 Japanese GP while Sunday qualifying has also been held at the Australian GP in 2013 and the 2015 US GP, both due to poor weather.
And five years ago, Jules Bianchi was tragically killed while Suzuka was bracing itself for Typhoon Phanfone.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team can wrap up the Constructors’ Championship in Japan, providing they outscore Ferrari by 14 points.
The British superstar is on course to win his sixth F1 world title this season – but has hinted he still has plans to extend his career.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
