Charles Leclerc
Tokyo - The tropical storm, categorised as a 'super-typhoon', is predicted to be one of the most violent to hit the region in recent years
Published: Thu 10 Oct 2019, 11:20 PM
Updated: Fri 11 Oct 2019, 1:23 AM
Formula One drivers at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix said they trust race organisers to make the right call regarding any changes to the event schedule, with Typhoon Hagibis threatening to disrupt Saturday's qualifying session at Suzuka.
The tropical storm, categorised as a 'super-typhoon', is predicted to be one of the most violent to hit the region in recent years and expected to strike the Tokyo area this weekend.
The 5.8-km Suzuka track, located about 300 km south-west of Tokyo, is expected to feel the brunt of it on Saturday, jeopardising the final practice session and qualifying, which decides the starting order for Sunday's race. The storm's approach has already forced the cancellation of two rugby World Cup matches.
F1 organisers on Thursday held off on a decision about whether to cancel Saturday's racing, saying they were working to minimise disruption to the weekend timetable and keeping a close eye on the advance of the storm, with safety the top priority.
"I think it's pretty clear if the typhoon is going to come here there's no way we can drive," said Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, whose godfather Jules Bianchi suffered ultimately fatal head injuries in a crash at the 2014 Japanese race after rain from the approaching Typhoon Phanfone drenched the track.
"But in my previous experience... they've always been quite safe with the conditions. They've always asked what we thought about the track once we're in the car. So, yeah, happy. We'll see," added the 21-year-old Monegasque.
E-Paper
Sign In
0°C 
