Japanese Grand Prix under threat from Typhoon Phanfone

Race organisers are bracing themselves for a rain-disrupted Japanese Grand Prix this weekend as a powerful typhoon closes in. Heavy rain lashed the Suzuka circuit on Thursday with more wet and windy weather forecast for the weekend as Typhoon Phanfone is predicted to slam into Japan on Monday. Several drivers have been warned the race might even have to be postponed.

The hurricane might come. If it does, we probably won’t be able to race.

Force India driver Sergio Perez

Organisers could be forced to tweak the schedule to avoid major disruption should the typhoon strike the region. Heavy rain fell in Suzuka today and conditions are expected to deteriorate further over the weekend as Phanfone works its way in from the Pacific Ocean towards mainland Japan. The typhoon could produce sustained winds of 193 to 209 kph, with gusts between 225 to 241 kph.

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