Suzuka FP2 result to set grid if qualifying gets cancelled

The FIA has confirmed that the starting grid for the Japanese Grand Prix will be formed using the result from Free Practice 2 in the event that qualifying cannot take place on Sunday morning as planned.

Officials at Suzuka confirmed on Friday that all Formula 1 track activity had been cancelled for Saturday due to the approach of super typhoon Hagibis, with qualifying being rescheduled for Sunday morning.

But with no provision in the sporting regulations for how the grid would be formed in the event that qualifying could not take place on Sunday, the stewards have moved to offer a solution.

The regulations state that in the event of no qualifying session taking place, the results from Free Practice 3 would be used - but with no FP3 taking place this weekend, the rules have been tweaked so that FP2 would set the grid if need be.

"In view of the inclement weather forecast for the weekend, and noting that the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations are silent on the subject, the Stewards have examined methods for establishing a grid for the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix, should weather conditions preclude holding the Qualifying Practice session," a bulletin from the FIA reads.

"Should this eventuality come to pass, the Stewards will exercise their authority under Article 11.9.3.b of the International Sporting Code and direct that the grid for the Japanese Grand Prix will be established based on the Second Practice Session Classification, with any penalties applied as necessary."

Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix is scheduled for 1000 local time (0200 BST) on Sunday.