Grass fires disrupt GP qualifying: Verstappen breaks lap record

Grass fires disrupt GP qualifying: Verstappen breaks lap record

On Saturday, grass fires continued to cause chaos Japanese Grand Prix, after practice and qualification sessions had to be halted three times when three separate fires occurred.

Incidents during training sessions

The dramatic ones incidents occurred after a practice session on Friday that saw four red flags waved, two of which were due to trackside fires. These fires apparently started because sparks from the cars' skidblocks fell onto the dry grass. All five fires over the two days were quickly extinguished by race marshals.

FIA takes care of safety measures

The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, said in a press release on Friday: "As we continue to investigate the fires that occurred during FP2, our focus ahead of tomorrow is on preventive measures." It continued: "The grass has been cut as short as possible and loose, dried grass debris has been removed from the affected areas. Ahead of tomorrow's sessions, the grass will be moistened and special operations teams will be positioned around the track."

Problems during qualifying

Nevertheless, the measures seemed to have little effect on Saturday when the most notable fire broke out at the exit of the 130R corner during the second part of qualifying. The meeting was adjourned for six minutes before resuming.

Temperature differences and wind conditions

Although the air temperature was only 15 degrees Celsius at Suzuka on Saturday, track temperatures reached loud Formula1.com up to 39 degrees Celsius.

The past repeats itself

It is the second time in the last year that fires broke out on the side of the track at a Formula 1 event. In April 2024, the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai was suspended due to a small fire outbreak during the only practice session.

Weather forecast and start of competition

With one Rain forecast For Sunday morning in Suzuka, the officials hope that the race itself will not be affected. Max Verstappen will start from pole position after overtaking Lando Norris by just 0.012 seconds on his final lap. It is the fourth time in a row that the Dutchman has won qualifying at Suzuka and his time of 1:26.983 is a new lap record for the track.

Debuts and placements

Verstappen's new teammate Yuki Tsunoda qualified 15th in his first appearance for Red Bull, just one place behind Liam Lawson, the driver whose place he took over after Lawson was demoted just two races into the season.