Typhoon Threat Forces Qualifying Cancellation

Saturday's practice and qualifying sessions for the Japanese Grand Prix were cancelled on Friday, according to host broadcaster Fuji TV.

Typhoon Ma-on is due to hit the region at 9am local time on Saturday morning and Fuji TV claimed that officials have decided to close the track because of concerns over possible winds of up to 200km/h.

The FIA have yet to confirm the cancellation but an official confirmed that if the Saturday running is abandoned they would hope to run a qualifying session on Sunday morning before the race or set the grid in the finishing order of the last race if that were not possible.

The typhoon, which is yet to hit land, has intensified in strength to a super typhoon but it is understood that once it has passed through the weather will improve significantly.

Merchandising tents have already been dismantled in preparation for the storm and the continuation of the race meeting remains in doubt because of potential damage to the facilities and flooding of the track.