FIA forced to act at Japanese GP as multiple FIRES at circuit disrupt F1 weekend

The FIA have been forced to step in after multiple grass fires heavily disrupted the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. The second practice session , two of which were caused by fires.

The flames start due to sparks from the cars landing on the dry grass at the Suzuka Circuit. Japan's wet season takes place during the European summer, and while it is relatively cool in Suzuka this weekend, the grass is bone dry.

More fires broke out after the third practice session. And also had to be halted due to a grass fire breaking out in Q2. Organisers are desperate to not see a repeat of those stoppages during Sunday's race. With that in mind, the FIA, F1's governing body, have stepped in to enact pre-emptive measures.

Marshals were sent out using power washers trying to dampen the grass ahead of qualifying on Saturday. The FIA have outlined further measures they are taking to put an end to the disruptive fires.

"While we continue to look into the fires that occurred during FP2, our focus before tomorrow will be on taking pre-emptive measures," a statement read.

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"The grass has been cut as short as possible and loose, dried grass has been removed from affected areas. Prior to tomorrow's sessions, the grass will be dampened and specific response teams will be stationed around the track."

The latest weather outlook for Sunday's race at 6am forecasts rain during the build-up to the race, which should curtail any chance of fires. If more do break out, the FIA's race director intends to deploy a virtual safety car, rather than red flagging the race.

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Red Bull's will line up on pole position for the race, having delivered a sublime lap at the end of Q3. The Dutchman himself admitted to being taken by surprise by pipping the McLaren's of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to pole.

"I am [surprised], we tried the best we could to get the best possible balance for the car but it wasn’t easy even in qualifying, but in every session we just kept on making little improvements," he said.

"I think that’s where we made the difference and the last lap was just flat out, I mean around here being on the limit and maybe even a bit over it at places is incredibly rewarding.

"This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here but we will look to tomorrow, there might be some rain around but we will do our very best."