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Typhoon still a threat to F1 - even Russia

ABHISHEK TAKLE

SUZUKA, Japan - The worst impact from the typhoon lurking off the coast of Japan will be felt the day after the October 5 Japanese Formula 1 GP and could affect preparations for the following race in Russia.

The sport's weather forecaster, Ubimet, warned on Friday(Oct 3) that the forecast for Sunday remained unchanged with the race expected to be held in wet conditions with occasional heavy rain from Typhoon Phanfone drenching the 5.8km Suzuka circuit.
The forecaster added, however, that the centre of the typhoon would pass close to Suzuka between the early and afternoon hours of Monday and was expected to cause "widespread transport disruption, structural damage and possible injuries".

SPEED OF THE ESSENCE

An Ubimet statement said: "Probably Phanfone will pass to the south-east of Suzuka. There are also model solutions that can draw the eye* directly over the race circuit.

In both cases severe structural damage is expected on Monday, with possible widespread severe damage from the second case."

F1 teams require a quick turnaround after the Japanese race and must transport equipment to Sochi on the Black Sea for the Russian GP the following weekend.

Ubimet added: "Keeping to this tight schedule will be wholly dependent on how the typhoon behaves and will surely be a tough challenge.”

*Contrary to popular belief, the “eye” of the storm is the calm, windless area in the centre of the rotating winds of the storm.

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