SM
Barcelona vs. Valencia: 8 hrs 29 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Lewis Hamilton backing F1 chiefs over Typhoon Hagibis

:Headline: Lewis Hamilton backing F1 chiefs over Typhoon Hagibis: ID:374589: from db_amp
The Mercedes driver says organisers are doing the best they can.

Lewis Hamilton has backed Formula One's decision to delay whether it will make changes to this weekend's storm-threatened Japanese Grand Prix.

Rugby World Cup organisers have already cancelled England's match against France and New Zealand's game with Italy on Saturday due to the approach of Super Typhoon Hagibis.

Qualifying at Suzuka, which is also due to take place on Saturday, is under threat, with the region's most powerful typhoon of the year set to bring violent winds and heavy rain to the area.

A contingency plan is in place to move the battle for pole position to Sunday morning before the race, but F1 bosses are not expected to finalise their scheduling until late on Friday evening.

Lewis Hamilton is the current championship leader (David Davies, PA)

F1 and its governing body, the FIA, are staging twice-daily meetings with circuit officials and local authorities. It is understood that the latter expressed its surprise at World Rugby's decision to scrap two fixtures well in advance of their respective kick-offs.

F1 remains hopeful that the worst of the typhoon might miss the Suzuka track, situated 250 miles south west of Tokyo. Meanwhile, the race will not be staged on Monday if the cars are unable to run on Sunday.

"They are doing the utmost they can," said championship leader Hamilton. "I am sure they are preparing, are aware that it is coming, and have procedures in place."

Sebastian Vettel echoed Hamilton's comments. The four-time world champion said: "I don't think anybody wants to put lives in danger. There is a forecast, but how many times has a forecast changed?

"We will see what happens as the weekend goes on. It makes sense that when we have more evidence tomorrow night to put together a proposal or an action for qualifying then."

“Every effort is being made to minimise disruption to the Formula One timetable”
- FIA

A statement from the FIA read: "Every effort is being made to minimise disruption to the Formula One timetable.

"However the safety of the fans, competitors and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit remains the top priority. All parties will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates in due course."

The race in Japan has been hit by bad weather in the past, with qualifying staged on Sunday morning on two occasions, in 2004 and 2010. Four years ago, qualifying for the US Grand Prix was pushed back a day due to heavy rain.

"I am happy for them to do that," added Hamilton, who holds a 73-point championship lead over Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas with 130 available.

"It is cool when the format changes. You have to enter into two different mindsets, and two different rhythms. It is a different challenge so I like that.

"It is intense here when it rains, but I love driving in the wet. It doesn't make a difference to me. It is quite exciting."

amp_article__374589 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-10-10 10:23:12:
html db last update - 2021-03-01 15:43:43 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Lewis Hamilton

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .