The FIA is taking measures to prevent further disruption to the Japanese Grand Prix weekend following the grass fires which occured during second practice.
The session was red-flagged on two occasions after patches of grass caught fire by the track’s edge. They appeared to be ignited by sparks created by passing Formula 1 cars as their floors struck the ground at speed.
A spokesperson confirmed in a statement a series of steps are being taken to reduce the chance of further fires occuring. This includes cutting the grass as short as possible and removing dried grass from the areas.
The grass patches around the circuit will be watered down prior to the start of final practice and qualifying at the track on Saturday. The spokesperson also said specialist response teams will be ready to respond to any fires which do break out.
Weather conditions at the Suzuka circuit have been dry and sunny in recent days and much of the grassy areas by the edge of the track have dried out. More sunshine is expected tomorrow but the weather forecast for Sunday indicates a strong chance of showers.
This is the second time in as many years a grand prix weekend has been affected by grass fires. The sole practice session at last year’s Chinese Grand Prix was stopped after patches of grass caught fire.
Lap times have fallen sharply at Suzuka this year after several of the fastest corners on the track were resurfaced. Drivers have already lapped quicker than last year’s pole position time.
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The fires caused two of the four stoppages during the second practice session. The other two were caused by Jack Doohan’s crash at turn one and Fernando Alonso’s spin into a gravel bed at Degner One.
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