F1 visits land of the falling rain

Weather forecasters predict that a typhoon will hit Suzuka tomorrow in time to wreck qualifying and the sport's leading drivers are not looking forward to the prospect.

Suzuka is one of the most testing tracks on the calendar and is particularly unforgiving on mistakes, with barriers closer to the circuit than many other venues.

Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes that qualifying may even be cancelled if the predicted rain and wind strike at the wrong time.

He said: "If the typhoon comes, I would be surprised if we go out. In 40mph winds, I don't think you would want to go through turn 130R in the wet.

"I believe if it gets to the point that it is dangerous to drive, the FIA will stop it."

Jenson Button admitted: "On any circuit, you are a little bit more nervous racing if it's wet because you can't see five metres in front of the car because of the spray. It's pretty scary."