Saturday wash-out predicted at Suzuka

Friday morning’s practice session was dry, but looming clouds spell weather trouble at the scene of the Japanese grand prix.

An incredible 50mm - or more - of rain is forecast for Saturday’s running at Suzuka: "That should get the track wet!" Lotus’ technical boss Mike Gascoyne exclaimed.

Should that forecast prove accurate, "Will qualifying be called off?" wondered The Times’ correspondent Kevin Eason.

The weather forecast for Sunday is better, although early rain on race-day could mean the grand prix is started on a drying track.

As was predicted, the Red Bulls looked dominant on Friday morning’s dry circuit, but the RB6 has been less impressive in 2010 in the rain.

"The weather looks a bit strange on Saturday and that might not be that beneficial to us," admitted Mark Webber, who along with teammate Sebastian Vettel were half a second clear of the field in first practice.

Vettel won the 2009 race at Suzuka from pole.