Typhoon warning for Suzuka

The Japanese Grand Prix is under threat from Typhoon Phanfone.

The typhoon has formed over the Pacific Ocean and could be on course to hit Japan this weekend.

Whilst the path isn’t certain, it seems unlikely that the Typhoon will hit Suzuka, but the weather will be hugely affected.

Heavy rain is already falling at the track as the teams prepare for Friday’s free practice sessions.

‘The hurricane might come. If it comes, probably we won’t be able to race.’ Force India’s Sergio Perez told the BBC.

Williams’ Felipe Massa added: ‘I hope we can have the race and the weather doesn’t affect us.’

MeteoGroup forecaster Alexi Venerus said: ‘The actual weather condition won’t be too great for Saturday because it will be getting closer and that whole system will be moving up and that drags with it the humidity of the air and the wet air and then the clouds as well.

‘The closer we get to it, the weather will start to deteriorate.

‘We’re looking at it turning into a super typhoon – the wind strengths get up quite significantly – so I would look at some damage being caused.’