Burning grass causes two interruptions during F1 practice in Suzuka – FIA takes action to prevent recurrence
The FIA has taken measures to prevent further grass fires on the track for the rest of the weekend in Suzuka. Second practice in Japan had to be red-flagged four times on Friday, but only twice were crashes to blame.
The last two interruptions were due to dry grass catching fire at the side of the track. The area on the way to the first Degner corner was particularly affected, where the dry grass initially caught fire 13 minutes before the end of the second training session.
The Suzuka marshals were able to extinguish the fire quickly, but shortly before the end of the session, the grass ignited again – this time much more violently – abruptly ending the drivers’ final fast laps.
The FIA is continuing to investigate the exact cause of the fires. However, the most plausible explanation is that sparks from the cars’ titanium skid blocks ignited the dry grass. These skid blocks, which are located on the underside of the cars, can create sparks when the car hits the asphalt, which, combined with the dry conditions, can cause a fire.
Red flag deployed
A small grass fire beside the circuit is currently being extinguishedF1 JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/OomAusRYH5
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 4, 2025
In order to minimize the risk for Saturday, preventive measures have already been taken. According to an official FIA statement, certain areas of grass have been cut back, watered and particularly dry sections have been completely removed.
“While we continue to investigate the causes of the fires, our focus ahead of tomorrow’s day is on preventive measures,” the FIA explained in a statement. ”The grass has been cut as short as possible, loose and dried grass removed from the affected areas. Before tomorrow’s sessions, the grass will be moistened and special response teams will be positioned around the track.”
The incident at Suzuka is reminiscent of a similar problem at last year’s Chinese Grand Prix, where the only free practice session in Shanghai was also interrupted by two grass fires. At the time, the FIA had taken appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.
