Japanese GP: FP3 red-flagged as track fires continue to plague weekend

The third and final free practice session ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix was red-flagged as track fires continue to cause disruptions. 

The second practice session yesterday saw four red flags, two of which were caused by the grass around the track erupting into flames. The FIA released a statement yesterday claiming that they would be focusing on preventative measures for the rest of the weekend. However, just 7 minutes into the session, a fire began between the hairpin and spoon, by the optional chicane which isn’t used for Formula 1. 

The FIA stated yesterday: 

“While we continue to look into the fires that occurred during FP2, our focus before tomorrow will be on taking pre-emptive measures.

“The grass has been cut as short as possible, and loose, dried grass has been removed from affected areas. Prior to tomorrow’s sessions, the grass will be dampened, and specific response teams will be stationed around the track.”

This delay is particularly bad for Alpine driver Jack Doohan. The Australian driver has had minimal testing time so far this weekend after handing his A525 over to Ryo Hirakawa in FP1 for rookie testing, and crashing after just four laps into FP2. 

Alpine team chief Oliver Oakes commented:

“We are all relieved to see Jack walk away from his incident in free practice 2 and glad to see he is OK after his precautionary checks,” Oakes said.

“It was a misjudgement of not closing the DRS into Turn 1. It is something to learn from and I know Jack and the team will be ready for tomorrow. His crew will work hard to have the car prepared after the damage.”

The third practice session has now resumed.