Lengthy rain showers have been forecast for Suzuka overnight on Saturday and into Sunday, with the expected downpours set to halt the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix grass fires.
Five separate incidents of scorched turf have delayed track action across the weekend so far, with two red flags in FP2, two in FP3 and another during Q2 as the FIA and race organisers grappled with finding a solution.
Investigations into the cause of the incidents are ongoing with the most plausible explanation being sparks coming off the cars’ titanium skid blocks and landing on the straw-like grass, with strong winds also playing a part.
Having cut some sections of grass as short as possible and watering other areas on Friday evening, the FIA had hoped to eradicate any further instances.
“While we continue to look into the fires that occurred during FP2, our focus before tomorrow will be on taking pre-emptive measures,” a statement released on Friday from the governing body read.
“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.”
A fire fighter sprays the grass at the side of the track to dampen it after fires during final practice
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
However, with weather conditions similar on Saturday, the grass continued to catch flame and led to further farcical delays to running.
Now it seems as though organisers will be looking to the sky for their solution, with constant rain expected throughout Saturday night and potentially continuing during Sunday.
If there is ample rainfall, the issue is much less likely to return, while the FIA would also be ready to water the danger areas again.
Some reports claimed a drastic measure could see the grass burned deliberately to prevent the issue, but Motorsport.com understands that is not an option on the table.
Max Verstappen took pole position for Sunday’s race and, when asked about the fires by Motorsport.com, he too suggested Mother Nature could help out.
“It will rain overnight,” he said. “That will help and wet the ground a little bit, I guess the grass has been very dry and with the sparks coming off the car it can ignite the grass with a bit of wind.”
