Final Japanese GP practice red-flagged as FIA measure fails

The final practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix had to be red-flagged as planned red flags failed to work.

There were four red flags during the second practice session on Friday afternoon at the Suzuka circuit, the third and fourth of which were for fires caused by sparks flying off the underside of the F1 cars and setting the dry grass alight to the side of the track.

The FIA said in a statement later in the day that it would be taking preemptive measures to ensure there would be no repeat.

"While we continue to look into the fires that occurred during FP2, our focus before tomorrow [Saturday] will be on taking preemptive measures," the statement read.

"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." 

However, just minutes into FP3, another grass fire took hold out of the chicane late in the lap. Marshals were again forced to deal with the situation, causing an eight-minute delay.