Typhoon could hamper Russia GP build-up

Formula 1's preparations for next week's Russian Grand Prix now face the biggest risk of disruption from Typhoon Phanfone, which is due to strike Suzuka on Sunday.

While the FIA confirmed on Friday that it hopes the Japanese GP weekend timetable can remain in place without any alterations for the bad weather that is arriving, there remains the likelihood of problems for teams traveling onto Russia for the nation's inaugural F1 event next weekend.

Typhoon Phanfone is set to bring rain and strong winds to the Suzuka area on Sunday afternoon. The belief is that the conditions will still allow the race to take place, but it is understood that the FIA is open to bringing the start of the grand prix forward from its current 3 p.m. scheduled slot in the event that it needs a bigger window to get the race run before darkness.

Of more consequence, however, is the packing up and shipping of cars to Russia that needs to be done on Sunday night and Monday morning. Forecasts are for gusts of wind to be around 80mph by Sunday afternoon, with a total of up to 6 inches of rain through the duration of the typhoon. That could force delays to packing up and the possible cancellation of flights that are due to take equipment and cars to Sochi on Monday.

Although it is not thought that the Russian GP is at risk of being canceled because of any delays, it could make life harder for teams as they prepare for the new event.