Rain threatens Japanese GP chaos

A fresh element has been added to the Japanese Grand Prix, with the Suzuka Circuit having been soaked by overnight rain which has persisted throughout the day. 

In the build-up to the third round of the season, conditions have remained cool in Suzuka. Rain was suspected in the paddock, although it has now created a strategic headache for the teams. 

It is a similar situation to the Australian season-opener, where the track was hit by considerable wet weather ahead of the lights going out.

Back at Albert Park, a dry line had appeared during the race, until a heavy late shower caused chaos. 

A similar story looks possible in Japan, with further moderate showers expected just an hour before the grand prix gets underway. 

It is likely that the drivers will opt to start on the intermediate tyres, before switching to slick rubber when a dry line appears. 

Rain is currently not forecast for the second half of the race; however, conditions are known to change quickly in the area. 

Should the circuit dry quicker than expected before the race starts, then Pirelli has outlined a one-stop strategy as the quickest route to the finish. 

Starting on the soft tyres and switching to the hards between laps 10 to 16 is one option, as is starting on the medium compound before a later switch to the hard tyres between laps 19-25.

In addition, a two-stop strategy is also possible, featuring the soft, medium and hard compounds. 

However, due to the air temperature being no higher than 14 degrees Celsius, the chances of the track drying before the race with more rain expected is unlikely.