Weather GP of Japan: under the cherry blossoms, a weekend of contrasts between sun and showers
After Australia and China, Formula 1 follows up with its first triple header of the season at the legendary Suzuka circuit. As the Nagoya region reaches its peak with the cherry blossom season, the weather forecast for the weekend looks uncertain. Cool temperatures are expected, and a cold front could bring rain on Sunday morning, adding an extra dose of suspense to the Japanese round.
Added to the calendar in the fall until 2023, the Japanese Grand Prix now takes place in the spring. This change, decided last year, aims to group races by geographical proximity while avoiding the typhoon season, which affects the archipelago between September and October.
The Suzuka circuit, an old school figure-eight track, is unique in its kind. Located between Osaka and Tokyo, it is the only one on the calendar with a configuration where the track crosses over via a bridge. Narrower than Spa, Suzuka is a demanding circuit that requires extremely precise driving to set a good lap time. Fast and technical, it is considered one of the most complete tracks of the season and remains highly appreciated by drivers.
General situation
At the beginning of April, normal temperatures in the Suzuka region range between 9°C and 15°C. On average, April records 135 mm of precipitation, with episodes that can reach up to 50 mm in 24 hours, even in spring. During this time of year, the wind predominantly blows from the north, with an average speed of 15 km/h.
The weather situation in Japan is currently dominated by an anticyclone centered over the western part of the country, bringing dry and sunny weather to the Nagoya region. This high pressure promotes clear skies, moderate to strong northwesterly winds, and rising temperatures during the day but still cool at night. This dry weather will be short-lived as a cold front is expected to sweep through the region starting Saturday evening, bringing precipitation.
Friday, April 4: Free Practice 1 and 2
Friday, the weather will be clear all day with a northwesterly wind blowing at about 35 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 50 km/h. Temperatures will range from 7°C in the morning to 16°C in the afternoon. Thanks to the sun, the track temperature will rise to 40°C at the hottest part of the afternoon. No risk of rain.
Saturday, April 5: Free Practice 3 and Qualifying
The morning will be very cool with a clear sky. Temperatures will slowly rise under a sky that will be sometimes slightly cloudy by late morning. The afternoon will be variable, alternating between some cloudy spells and sunny intervals.
As the cold front approaches, the sky will become overcast by late afternoon and evening, but with no risk of rain. The wind will remain light, generally from south to southeast between 10 and 20 km/h. The maximum air temperature will be 15°C for the qualifications and will range between 35 and 39°C for the track. Let’s recall that Pirelli is providing teams with the hardest range this weekend, namely C1, C2, and C3.
Sunday, April 6: The race
With the passing of the cold front, Sunday will start with light rain expected until 11 a.m. The afternoon will see a gradual easing of the precipitation, with a few possible drops during the race, before the return of clear skies later in the day.
At the start of the race, which is 53 laps long, the temperature will be 17°C in the air and 28°C on the track. There will be a decrease of about 2°C as the race progresses. The humidity level will reach 75%, while the wind will blow from the southwest at a speed between 5 and 15 km/h.
