Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying Moved To Sunday Due To Typhoon Hagibis

F1: Formula one qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix postponed as Typhoon Hagibis approaches, Mercedes' Bottas wins first practice at Suzuka

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Updated on: 11 October 2019 6:04 pm

Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix has been moved to Sunday due to the approach of Typhoon Hagibis, Formula One has confirmed.

Weather maps indicate the tropical storm is set to pass by Suzuka on Saturday and consequently, all F1 activities have been cancelled with safety in mind.

The track will be re-opened on Sunday with qualifying set for 10:00 local time (01:00 GMT) and the race due to take place as initially planned at 14:10 (05:10 GMT).

"As a result of the predicted impact of Typhoon Hagibis on the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix 2019, Mobilityland and the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF) have decided to cancel all activities scheduled to take place on Saturday, 12 October," read an F1 statement.

"The FIA and Formula One support this decision in the interest of safety for the spectators, competitors and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit."

BREAKING: Saturday's track action at Suzuka has been cancelled due to Typhoon Hagabis.

Qualifying will now take place on Sunday at 10:00 local time.

The race will go ahead at 14:10, Sunday as planned #JapaneseGP #F1 https://t.co/A22Br0wfBs
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 11, 2019

The first practice on Friday was completed with Valtteri Bottas edging out Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton by 0.076s. Sebastian Vettel rounded out the top three.