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Well before the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, it was apparent that Sunday would likely to be wet, and as time passed, that likelihood became a certainty.
Somehow the FIA managed to squeeze qualifying in on schedule on Saturday, despite the fog grounding the medical helicopter. That at least got one major hurdle out of the way and meant that Sunday could run as normal, at least until the 1:30 pm start time rolled around and someone - race director Charlie Whiting - had to make a call on what would happen.
Fog was less of an issue, but it rained all morning. In fact, by Fuji standards it wasn't too bad, and locals will tell you that it can be much, much worse. Nevertheless, it was apparent as the start approached that safety car driver Bernd Maylander rather than Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso would lead the field into the first corner.
