adminFORCE India driver Sergio Perez says Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix may not go ahead if Typhoon Phanfone hits Suzuka.
The typhoon has formed over the Pacific Ocean and rain is expected for Sunday’s race as well as today’s practice, with dry conditions forecast for qualifying.
Mexican Perez, 24, said: “The hurricane might come and if it comes, probably we won’t be able to race.”
Williams’s Valtteri Bottas said: “There is a big chance of big rain on Sunday.”
Felipe Massa, Bottas’s team-mate, said: “I hope we can have the race and the weather doesn’t affect us.”
F1 chief meteorologist Steffen Dietz expects the race to be affected by rain and FIA race director Charlie Whiting has told teams he would discuss the possibility of moving the start of the race forward with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.
“There’re still big uncertainties for the storm track in the coming days,” said Dietz.
“The current forecast track for typhoon Phanfone keeps the eye of the storm to the southeast of Japan on Sunday, but with associated rainbands extending north towards Suzuka during the morning.
“Once it starts, the rain is likely to be prolonged and become increasingly heavy.”
Winds will be mostly light initially but freshen as the day goes on. At this time, nothing too severe is expected before Monday.
The race is part of the run-in for the world championship between Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Hamilton leads by three points following his victory in Singapore two weeks ago, and there are 150 points available over the remaining five races. —BBC Sport
Online Reporter