Typhoon could disrupt Suzuka weekend

Accuweather the heels of deadly Typhoon Trami, Japan will face another dangerous typhoon this week. Typhoon Kong-rey is currently the equivalent of a Category 2 major hurricane in the Atlantic and East Pacific and will remain a dangerous tropical cyclone in the coming days.

A northwest track through Thursday will take Kong-rey toward the Ryukyu Islands, which are still reeling from damaging winds in excess of 160 km/h (100 mph) from Trami last weekend.

Miyako (north east) and Okinawa (north) are expected to face the worst of Kong-rey's impacts, which will include damaging winds and torrential rainfall. Wind gusts over 160 km/h (100 mph) will again be possible during the worst of the storm.

Suzuka, more to the south, is expected not expected to be affected directly by the typhoon, but storms and rain are being predicted in and around the area.

The first Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway in 1976 was rain-drenched, proving to be the decider in the battle between McLaren's James Hunt and Ferrari driver Niki Lauda, immortalised in the movie Rush.

In 2014, heavy rain from Typhoon Phanfone affected the race, turning Suzuka treacherous. As a result Marussia driver Jules Bianchi aquaplaned and crashed horrifically into a stationary recovery vehicle. He died nine months later due to the injuries he received on that day..

The first free practice session of the weekend, on Friday starts at 10:00 am local time when, according to forecasts, it may be raining, while Saturday rain is predicted with more certainty and is expected to last from early morning until midday.

Meanwhile, F1 reporter Tobi Gruner Tweeted that due to Typhoon Trami earlier in the week, there has been delays in some teams not receiving all their freight, with the likes of McLaren and Williams seriously compromised if their equipment does not arrive on time.

Suzuka weekend weather forecast: