Japan: Rain stops play as winds hit 151mph

By Phil Huff (09/10/2004)
October 9 2004

Acting on the advice of the local Japanese Authorities, given the extreme weather forecast, circuit officials closed the Suzuka Circuit today, meaning that there will be no qualifying sessions today.

Typhoon 22, more commonly referred to as Ma-on, was forecast to hit Suzuka directly in the early hours of Saturday morning and, with wind speeds gusting to 151 mph, was certain to do significant damage. With advertising hoardings, grandstand roofs and various racing displays all exposed to the elements, it was simply too risky to run any form of track activity.

Ma-on has since changed course again, moving slightly east, and giving Suzuka just some heavy rain before clearing up.

However, the typhoon has wreaked havoc across Japan, with over 200 flights cancelled, nearly 3,000 people evacuated, and a significant number of people reported as missing. The storm is now heading directly for Tokyo, and looks set to bring a 7 metre storm surge along the coastline.

The revised timetable for the Grand Prix sees all the support races cancelled in deference to Formula One, which kicks off at 9:00 am (1:00 am UK time) with first qualifying, followed two hours later by final qualifying. At 11:45 am (3:45am UK) there'll be a drivers parade, followed by a 40th Anniversary special demonstration.

The pitlane will open again at 2:00 pm (6:00 am UK) before the race starts at 2:30 pm (6:30 am UK).

The Qualifying Session will be run without breaks for the 6th, 11th and 16th cars, while normal parc ferme conditions will apply.