Typhoon threatens Japan GP
Discussion
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3722982.stm
Saturday's qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix could be wrecked by a typhoon, say weather forecasters.
Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes qualifying may even be cancelled if the predicted rain and wind strike the Suzuka track.
"If the typhoon comes I would be surprised if we go out, to be honest," said the Colombian.
"I believe if it gets to the point it is dangerous to drive the FIA (F1's governing body) will stop it."
BAR's Jenson Button said he hoped the forecasts would turn out to be wrong.
"You are a little bit more nervous if it's wet because you can't see five metres in front of the car because of the spray. It's pretty scary," he said.
"I think we'll be quick here if it's wet but for the drivers it's not a nice situation," added the British driver.
World champion Michael Schumacher is certainly not counting on wet weather.
He said: "I don't know how heavy or difficult it will be.
"There's still a couple of days to go and sometimes typhoons change direction."
Err....that should make things interesting!
Saturday's qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix could be wrecked by a typhoon, say weather forecasters.
Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes qualifying may even be cancelled if the predicted rain and wind strike the Suzuka track.
"If the typhoon comes I would be surprised if we go out, to be honest," said the Colombian.
"I believe if it gets to the point it is dangerous to drive the FIA (F1's governing body) will stop it."
BAR's Jenson Button said he hoped the forecasts would turn out to be wrong.
"You are a little bit more nervous if it's wet because you can't see five metres in front of the car because of the spray. It's pretty scary," he said.
"I think we'll be quick here if it's wet but for the drivers it's not a nice situation," added the British driver.
World champion Michael Schumacher is certainly not counting on wet weather.
He said: "I don't know how heavy or difficult it will be.
"There's still a couple of days to go and sometimes typhoons change direction."
Err....that should make things interesting!
The Met Office said:
Typhoon Ma-on targets Japanese Grand Prix
7 October 2004
Typhoon Ma-on is heading straight for Japan and could wreck the F1 qualifying day on Saturday with high winds and torrential rain.
Ma-on currently has 100 m.p.h. winds near its centre and the storm is forecast to track north and weaken, crossing close to Suzuka on Saturday before heading away from the area for race-day itself.
This tropical cyclone season has been the most active on record for Japan, but very quiet across parts of south-east Asia such as the Philippines and southern China. This is because the dominant high pressure systems in the area have forced tropical cyclones to turn northwards towards Japan rather than allowing them on a more westerly track. Ma-on will be the ninth tropical cyclone to hit Japan this year beating the previous record of six.
JMA, the Japanese weather service are working with the main national meteorological services from around the world such as the Met Office and NOAA to produce the best estimate of the typhoon's strength and track.
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