|
Torrential rain effectively washed out most of the opening day at the
Japanese Grand Prix, and conditions could yet get worse. Forecasters
predict that the rain is unlikely to ease up before Saturday evening and
it is possible that typhoon conditions could hit the Suzuka region
within the next 24 hours.
Drivers completed relatively few laps in the deluge, it took 37 minutes
for a time to be posted in the morning and the track remained virtually
empty as the downpour intensified during the second half of the
afternoon session. Kimi Räikkönen (Team McLaren Mercedes, third) emerged
as fastest of the Michelin runners during the limited number of laps
that were possible. The Finn’s team-mate David Coulthard was fifth
fastest, while local favourite Takuma Sato (BAR-Honda/Michelin), Anthony
Davidson (BAR-Honda/Michelin) and Jacques Villeneuve (Renault/Michelin)
were also in the top ten.
Pascal Vasselon, Michelin F1 Programme Manager:
“We have obviously done relatively little running today, not least
because Suzuka poses a few particular problems in heavy rain. The
circuit features a number of elevation changes and, as a result, a
number of mini-rivers form at various points around the track. The
biggest problem is not so much generating grip as trying to prevent cars
from aquaplaning. We have seen a number of drivers sliding off the track
today, although Fernando Alonso was the only Michelin runner affected
and then only in a minor way.
“Teams usually select their race compounds on a Friday evening, but on
account of the conditions they have been given until Saturday lunchtime
to finalise their choice. If the weather continues to deteriorate, which
seems likely, tomorrow’s qualifying session might have to be scrapped.
That would create an unprecedented situation. It remains to be seen what
will happen, but if cars are unable to run in dry conditions until
Sunday, we will advise our teams to plump for the tyre compound that
offers the broadest operational spectrum. That would be the logical
approach to take.”
LAST UPDATE: QUALIFYING POSTPONED
There will be no track action at Suzuka on Saturday, October 9, because
of adverse, and deteriorating, weather conditions. This decision was
taken on Friday evening, following a meeting between FIA stewards and
circuit officials. Climate permitting, qualifying will now take place on
Sunday morning and the race will start on schedule at 14.30. |
