Source: REUTERS / Issei Kato
[Saba Sports News] The Japanese Grand Prix, part
of the World Formula One Racing Championship, will take place at the Suzuka
Circuit from April 5th to April 7th. In contrast to previous years when the
event was held later in the F1 season, this year’s Japanese Grand Prix is
scheduled for April, marking the earliest occurrence in the event’s history.
There are several reasons behind this decision. Firstly, logistical efficiency
played a significant role. The Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled to take place
two weeks after the Japanese Grand Prix. By organizing the Japanese and Chinese
races in close proximity, the logistical and transportation costs can be
significantly reduced. Secondly, holding the event in April aims to minimize
the risk of rainfall. Meteo Motorsport predicts that the probability of
rainfall during this year’s Japanese Grand Prix will decrease from 41% to 33%.
The rainy season in the Kansai region of Japan typically begins in early June
and lasts until mid-July. Additionally, historical records from the Japan
Meteorological Administration indicate that typhoons rarely occur at the
beginning of the year. By hosting the Japanese Grand Prix earlier, the risk of
adverse weather conditions, particularly typhoons, can be mitigated. In the
past, the Japanese Grand Prix has been significantly impacted by typhoons. For
instance, the 1994 Grand Prix was affected by the tail end of Typhoon Zelda,
resulting in heavy rain and multiple crashes that led to the retirement of nine
cars in the first 15 laps. Similarly, the 2014 Grand Prix was disrupted by
Typhoon Phanfone, leading to multiple red flags and an early termination of the
race on the 46th lap, instead of the scheduled 53 laps.