Following Friday’s practice sessions being disrupted by flames surrounding the Suzuka International Circuit, the FIA has released an official statement.
In an already event-filled FP2 at the Japanese Grand Prix, sparks from Formula 1 cars were captured in dry, grassy areas surrounding the circuit, causing three fires and the raising of two additional red flags.
The session had four red lights in all, which made it difficult for drivers and teams to run on Friday. Jack Doohan had crashed into the barriers earlier in the practice, while Fernando Alonso had also encountered a significant shunt.
In response, the FIA have issued an official statement on the unusual issues faced on Friday at the Japanese GP, suggesting that a plethora of changes will be made ahead of competitive running beginning on Saturday.
“While we continue to look into the fires that occurred during FP2, our focus before tomorrow will be on taking pre-emptive measures,” the FIA statement 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.”
Japan weather causing bizarre problems
The warm, dry conditions associated with the Japanese spring has led to the grassy areas around the track dying, creating the perfect storm for fires to break out.
While temperatures are not particularly high at Suzuka this weekend, it is unlikely that any rain will be present, with sunny spells forecast on both Saturday and Sunday, thus potentially causing more fire-related issues.
The changes that the FIA have implemented follow some track changes that were announced before the start of Friday’s practice, including a resurfacing of the track between Turns 1 and 8, and improved safety measures to protect marshal posts.
Drivers will be hoping that they can get more time on track during Saturday’s FP3 session to fine tune their setups for qualifying, with just 20 minutes of the planned 60-minute FP2 session being under green flag conditions.
