A powerful typhoon - currently situated over the Western Pacific - could endanger the Japanese Grand Prix.

Expert Meteorologists from UBIMET, a global leading provider of meteorological services, are already on the scene in Suzuka delivering continuous detailed weather forecasts to the FIA and the teams. Typhoon experts from UBIMET Australia are supporting in all cases.

On Thursday morning (CEST) satellite images showed the eye of category 4 Typhoon Phanfone, approximately 340 nautical miles (630 km) south of Iwo To in the Bonin Islands. On Friday, it is expected to move north-westward, reaching a maximum mean wind intensity of 130 knots (240 km/h).

Gusts could exceed 160 knots (300 km/h). After passing the Ryukyu Islands on Saturday Phanfone should weaken a little due to moving over colder water and getting into an area of stronger wind shear, but should remain a powerful category 3-4 typhoon.

From today's analysis Formula 1 Chief Meteorologist Steffen Dietz expects that the race will be affected by rain in Suzuka. "There are still big uncertainties for the storm track in the coming days," he said. "The current forecast track for typhoon Phanfone keeps the eye of the storm to the southeast of Japan on Sunday but with associated rain bands extending north towards Suzuka during the morning. Once it starts the rain is likely to be prolonged and become increasingly heavy."

Winds will be mostly light initially but freshen as the days goes on. At this time, nothing too severe is expected before Monday.

A further challenge is how to logistically cope with the typhoon when the equipment is packed. That has to be done directly after the race within a few hours, so that the whole 'circus' can be transported to Sochi where the Russian Grand Prix takes place next weekend on October 12th.

Picture Credit: EUMETSAT / UBIMET

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