Overnight Rain Hopes to Calm Grass Fires at Japanese Grand Prix

SUZUKA, Japan — The 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix is set to go off amid concerns over grass fires that have plagued the event all weekend. With race day now here, officials are banking on forecasted overnight rain to help mitigate the risk of further blazes sparked by cars racing along the track.

Throughout the weekend, five red flags have disrupted practice and qualifying sessions due to sudden fires igniting along the grass beside the 3.6-mile circuit. The fires are primarily attributed to sparks produced by titanium skid plates under the cars, which are especially pronounced in high-speed areas, including the notorious 130R corner.

The rain, expected to arrive early Sunday morning, is hoped to sufficiently wet dry patches of grass to prevent further ignitions. If the rain does not materialize, the FIA has confirmed it will deploy marshals to manually water priorities areas of the circuit ahead of the race.

“It will rain overnight, and that will help,” said Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen, who will start from pole position. “The grass is very dry, and I guess with the sparks, it can ignite.” McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who qualified third, echoed Verstappen’s thoughts, suggesting the rain would help control the situation.

The FIA previously attempted preventative measures, watering key areas of grass following multiple fire incidents during practice. However, concerns about the effectiveness of such measures have prompted discussions around controlled burns—though this option has been dismissed due to environmental implications and safety risks.

“We are mindful of the potential hazards should the burns not be controlled adequately,” a spokesperson for the FIA said. “The focus remains on ensuring a safe environment for both the drivers and the spectators.”

While cooler temperatures of 13-15°C have contributed to a delay of fires, the combination of Japan’s drier spring conditions has exacerbated the issue. The long-standing weather patterns in the region generally favor rain during the summer months, leaving the current grass particularly vulnerable.

As anticipation builds for the race, another focus remains on the competitive edge on the track. Verstappen captured pole position by narrowly edging out Lando Norris of McLaren by just 0.012 seconds in the closing moments of qualifying. “Max did an amazing lap,” Norris admitted post-qualifying, expressing satisfaction with his own performance despite falling short.

The grass fires have underscored the unpredictability of the event, drawing added attention from teams and drivers alike. As they prepare for the race, many hope nature’s intervention will provide relief from the flames that have disrupted both practice and qualifying sessions.