Japanese Grand Prix: F1 officials hoping rain will solve grass fire issues at Suzuka

After two fires disrupted second practice on Friday, key areas of grass were watered before final practice on Saturday.

These were the driest areas and those at fast corners, where there is the highest likelihood of sparks from the titanium skid plates under the cars, which are causing the fires.

The same areas of grass were watered again, with greater quantities of water, after two further fires disrupted final practice.

A fifth fire broke out in qualifying at the exit of the 200mph 130R corner, causing a red flag in the second session of qualifying.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who will start on pole for the race, said: “It will rain overnight and that will help. The grass is very dry and I guess with the sparks it can ignite.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who starts third, added: “With the rain overnight, I don’t think it will be as much of a problem.”