Typhoon Hagibis forces Suzuka to cancel Saturday's action

40

With the threat of Typhoon Hagibis looming, Japanese Grand Prix organisers have taken the decision to scrap Saturday's action and schedule qualifying on Sunday morning.

Typhoon Hagibis is expected to make landfall in Japan on Saturday morning, but Suzuka isn't taking any chances, closing its circuit with the full support of F1 and the FIA, which released the following statement on Friday ahead of free practice.

Japanese GP: Thursday's build-up in pictures

"As a result of the predicted impact of Typhoon Hagibis on the 2019 FIA Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, Mobilityland and the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF) have decided to cancel all activities scheduled to take place on Saturday, 12 October.

"The FIA and Formula 1 support this decision in the interests of safety for the spectators, competitors, and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit."

Sunday will therefore be an action-packed day, with qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix taking place from 10h to 11h local time and the race itself starting at 14h10.

However, if for any reason the inclement weather prevents qualifying from taking place on Sunday morning, the race's grid shall be determined by the results from FP2.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.