F1 Japanese GP is the priority for Suzuka circuit as the organisers have cancelled the FIA Japanese F4 races due to the threat of Typhoon Hagibis.
The penultimate round of the 2019 Japanese F4 season stands cancelled as the organisers at Suzuka are firm with their priority list, with F1 Japanese GP on top. The F4 races were scheduled for Saturday after qualifying and Sunday before the grand prix.
But with the impending threat from Typhoon Hagibis, which is set to disrupt whole of Saturday, the organisers decided to not risk more trouble with the F4 races and use all the time available to get through FP3 and qualifying for F1.
The weekend, though, will still have a support event on Sunday with the sole race of Porsche Carrera Cup Japan, but it remains to be seen if it at all it happens. Should there be total disruption on Saturday, qualifying may take place on Sunday.
The last time F1 was forced to a Sunday qualifying was in 2015 in the US GP at Circuit of the Americas due to poor weather. The organisers will not only be monitoring the situation but will provide updates as well, with the next one scheduled for 20:00 local time.
Meanwhile, the FIA and F1 jointly released a statement, which stated:
“The FIA, Formula 1, Suzuka Circuit and the Japanese Automobile Federation are closely monitoring Typhoon Hagibis and its potential impact on the 2019 FIA Formula One Japanese Grand Prix.
“Every effort is being made to minimise disruption to the Formula 1 timetable, however the safety of the fans, competitors and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit remains the top priority. All parties will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates in due course.”
Outside motorsport and F1, Japan is also hosting the Rugby World Cup in the same period, with two matches for Saturday already cancelled due to the super typhoon. Despite the threats, several F1 fans have traveled to Suzuka for the grand prix.
Details of the track changes can be found, here.
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