Wet conditions are expected throughout the build-up to the Japanese Grand Prix but race day should be dry.
The country will feel the effects of typhoon Kong Rey over the coming days as the storms passes through the Japanese sea between Japan and South Korea. Its effects are likely to be strongest on Saturday, when there is a high chance of showers throughout the day.Friday will begin with a 40% chance of rain in first practice according to Meteo France, and air temperatures of up to 19C. By second practice the air temperature will rise to around 22C but the threat of rain will grow too, to 80%. Therefore teams are likely to seize any chance of dry running in the morning.
Saturday is expects to remain overcast with more showers. There’s no indication yet the rain might be severe enough to force a postponement of qualifying to Sunday, though that has happened more than once in the past.
A dramatic change in conditions is expected on Sunday. The cloud will lift and the race should see warm, sunny and dry conditions for which the teams are likely to have had little experience of in the preceding 48 hours.
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Jere (@jerejj)
4th October 2018, 19:10
That’d be a shame outright track record-wise.
Stephen Crowsen (@drycrust)
4th October 2018, 23:58
I know thoughts can be dangerous, but I had wondered if F1 needed a tyre that was a cross between the Intermediate tyre and the soft tyre, so it could cater for a track that had wet areas on it, but also be able to carry the car to the end of the race.
Euro Brun (@eurobrun)
5th October 2018, 1:29
Or an intermediate tyre that did what it was supposed to!
StefMeister (@stefmeister)
5th October 2018, 1:44
@drycrust So basically the Slick Intermediate tyre that Michelin have developed in WEC & probably would have brought to F1 had they got the tyre deal.
https://michelinracingusa.com/latest-technical-stunner-michelin-invents-the-hybrid-tire/
Jimmi Cynic (@jimmi-cynic)
5th October 2018, 1:59
@stefmeister: That’s some sort of alien hybrid technology. F1 doesn’t use hybrids for anything – it’s a pure bred sport. ;-)
Thecollaroyboys (@thecollaroyboys)
5th October 2018, 5:25
It’s overcast and a little bit cool here at Suzuka at lunchtime. There are some dark clouds but it doesn’t feel like rain. Fingers crossed.
Ben (@x-f1-x)
5th October 2018, 17:23
Shame it couldn’t be the other way around