Weather forecast changes for Japanese Grand Prix: Challenge for drivers

The Japanese Grand Prix is likely to remain dry when the Formula 1 cars are on the track. The 2022 edition at the Suzuka Circuit featured really bad rain, and a red flag was required. This year, the sun will be shining. Still, drivers will have a challenge because the wind direction is forecast to flip 180 degrees compared to qualifying.

Formula 1 teams and drivers are just coming off the back of a very wet European season and could find more rain during the start of the flyaways. Rain featured in most European race weekends. The Belgian Grand Prix lived up to its recent reputation with a mix of wet/dry conditions. Similar wet/dry conditions were experienced in the Netherlands. The Italian Grand Prix featured hot and dry conditions. There wasn't any rain in Singapore.

What is the weather forecast for the Japanese Grand Prix?

It is hot in Japan. Race week started with temperatures of around 30 degrees, and according to Weather.com, it will remain warm in Suzuka on Sunday.

The chance of rain is 0% when it is due to start. Sunny conditions are predicted. However, the wind changes direction completely. During qualifying, drivers experienced a north-west wind, and at 14:00 local time on Sunday, that is predicted to change to a south-east wind. On a circuit like Suzuka, that changes a lot. Instead of getting a headwind into the esses, drivers will get a tailwind. This isn't as helpful for car balance. It will also be interesting to know if any team have played for this with their set-ups.