“The big question mark”: Suzuka at a standstill before typhoon

Out of caution against the impending cyclone, all activities on the Suzuka Circuit were canceled for the day. For only the fifth time in Formula 1 history, qualification and the race (7.10 a.m./ORF 1, RTL and Sky) were scheduled for the same day. The drivers had to find alternative jobs.

Some wanted to pass the time by playing video games or watching series, others like Sebastian Vettel planned to do some indoor sports. Haas driver Romain Grosjean was working on a miniature racing car. Organizer staff and team members worked under maximum pressure on Friday to make the paddock storm-proof and, last but not least, to protect the expensive and sensitive technology from moisture. “We're a bit stuck in no man's land, but a voyage of discovery is probably a more appropriate expression,” said Formula 1 sports director Steve Nielsen about the unusual logistical challenges posed by the storm.

Because as quickly and as storm-proof as possible the facilities and equipment on the traditional course should be made, they should also be rebuilt just as quickly after the typhoon for Sunday. The racing teams should be allowed to send selected employees to the otherwise closed course in order to be able to monitor the condition of their own equipment.

The typhoon was the dominant topic on Japanese television. People were repeatedly warned about the forces of nature and asked to seek safety. You should especially stay away from coastal areas where there are high waves. The tropical storm is expected to move north by Sunday.

“The big question mark will be what condition the course is in,” Vettel said after the second free practice session. Should the qualification also be canceled due to adverse weather conditions, the starting rows would line up after the session on Friday afternoon. In this case, Vettel would be fifth, with Valtteri Bottas and world champion Lewis Hamilton right at the front, who could give Mercedes their sixth constructors' championship in a row in the race. “I’m really proud to be part of it,” said the Englishman, who is himself racing towards his sixth drivers’ title.

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“The big question mark”: Suzuka at a standstill before typhoon

Typhoon Hagibis brought Formula 1 to a standstill in Japan on Saturday.

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