Friday

Typhoon Phanfone has reached wind strengths of 115knots out in the western Pacific, just over 130mph, equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane. Around Japan's Ise Bay on the south coast of Honshu, where Suzuka is situated, there are already High wave warnings on Friday night. Phanfone is forecast to stay as a 'very strong' typhoon through Saturday and Sunday (local time). The typhoon will move north then NE, although the forecast circle, for the possible position of the centre of the storm, covers a large part of Japan, especially the island of Honshu. On Sunday, race day, Phanfone is forecast to be near Kyushu, the SW island, so not near to Suzuku. Even so there will be strong winds and potentially very heavy rain reaching the F1 race.

However, for Kyushu, Phanfone could cause major problems and damage if it makes landfall at the forecast strength. During Monday, Phanfone's track could then move NE along the highly populated island of Honshu which includes Tokyo and Kyoto.

The main issue for the F1 circus will be getting packed up and out of Tokyo as Phanfone will undoubtedly force airport closures, as well as disruption to the local road network. The next race is at the Sochi Street circuit with first practice on Friday, so it's a tight schedule to get effectively the whole of Formula 1, cars, teams, drivers, mechanics etc shipped out and on the ground in time for the next event as it is.

Race wise, it currently looks like the leading bands of rain will arrive in the morning, and intensify through the day, which does give options for an earlier start time, and any changes will be announced at midday tomorrow (that's 4am here).

Pictures credit to Japan Meteorological Agency and MTSAT

Ian Michaelwaite / Jo Farrow