High Chance of Rain Race During Japanese Grand Prix

On Friday, it is expected to be no more than fifteen degrees. The asphalt temperature will rise to 41 degrees, but with wind gusts of 20 to 30 kilometers per hour, the ideal conditions on and around the Suzuka circuit are not ideal due to the 18 turns around the circuit. However, Friday does have the advantage of no chances of rain.

On Saturday, the temperature will be even colder. The high for the day is fourteen degrees, which will cause the asphalt temperature to drop to 40 degrees. The wind speed will decrease on Saturday. Both during FP3 and qualifying, the wind speeds range from 5 to 15 kilometers per hour.

However, on Sunday, the morning rain could turn the Grand Prix upside down. Before the race, there is a 60 percent chance of rain, and as the race begins, the showers are set to intensify. It is looking very likely that the Japanese Grand Prix will be a rain race. Three hours after the race, the chance of rain drops to 20 percent, and it is likely to dry up in Suzuka.

The cold temperatures of the weekend will not help the circuit dry quickly. Sunday is warmer than the days before, but with a maximum temperature outside of seventeen degrees and a thirty-degree asphalt temperature due to the rain, the track may remain wet for a long time.

This article was written in collaboration with Tim Kraaij.