The rain forecasted today and Sunday will complicate things in Japan
Formula 1 cars are not made to drive in the rain. And yet the forecast is gloomy for this Japanese F1 weekend. The rain is already here this Friday and the forecast is bad for the race on Sunday.
The weather forecast is pessimistic. This Friday, rain is in the mix. It will be the same on Sunday, even though the forecasts currently indicate precipitation only towards the end of the day.
It has been raining in Suzuka since Thursday evening (locally). The track is therefore wet, and the forecast predicts light rain throughout the day on Friday. Free practice sessions 1 and 2 will be heavily disrupted as Formula 1 cars haven’t raced here in Suzuka since 2019. Many drivers have had very little experience on this challenging circuit, and the new technical regulations won’t assist other drivers who are already familiar with the track to quickly give it their all.
The real opportunity to set up the F1 cars will therefore take place on Saturday morning, when a lull will allow the drivers to run on a nearly dry track, but with cool temperatures around 23°C at most. The qualifications will also be held in dry conditions, while the cars should be adjusted for the rainy race on Sunday. The downforce is generally higher in these conditions.
On Sunday, the weather forecast predicts precipitation starting in the mid-afternoon. The race could therefore take place in the rain. Rain in Japan does not bring back any good memories. Indeed, the last time the race took place in the rain in the Land of the Rising Sun, an unfortunate and very serious accident occurred, resulting in the death of the French driver Jules Bianchi a few months later.
Rain rain rain! 🌧 #JapaneseGP 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/tcC6efgQa2
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) October 7, 2022
