The second of the two free practice sessions of the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix was halted dramatically by two grass fires on the Suzuka Circuit, which resulted in red flags, killing momentum for various teams. As a response, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile ( FIA ) has acted promptly to introduce measures for safety in an effort not to disrupt any further as the weekend goes on.
FIA acts fast after grass fires affect FP2 at Suzuka Circuit
The red flags were just one of a disorganized FP2 session already marred by incidents between Fernando Alonso and Jack Doohan. But attention soon turned elsewhere when dry grass along Turn 8 caught fire twice — the second time towards the very end of the session, effectively shutting proceedings down for many drivers who were trying to do push laps.
The FIA initiated an investigation into the cause. Initial observations indicate that sparks from the cars' titanium skid blocks could have ignited areas of brittle, sun-dried grass on the edges of the circuit. The motorsport governing body is leaving no chance in the run-up to Saturday's FP3 and qualifying sessions.
“While we continue to look into the fires that occurred during FP2, our focus before tomorrow will be on taking preemptive measures,” the governing FIA said in a statement. “The grass has been cut as short as possible, and loose, dried grass has been removed from affected areas. Prior to tomorrow's sessions, the grass will be dampened, and specific response teams will be stationed around the track.”
This is not the first time that Formula 1 has been confronted with such a challenge. An identical problem was encountered at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, when practice was also affected by grass fires. That occasion led to an identical operating response from the FIA.
Also read: FIA’s new circuit map aims to reduce F1 safety car delays during on-track stoppages
With safety protocols now established, everyone will be watching how well the FIA's response works in containing environmental risks during high-speed racing. While qualifying is getting underway, the governing body remains alert, balancing safety with the need to maintain the competitive pace of the Japanese Grand Prix.
FIA acts fast after grass fires affect FP2 at Suzuka Circuit
Red flag deployed 🔴
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 4, 2025
A small grass fire beside the circuit is currently being extinguished#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/OomAusRYH5
The red flags were just one of a disorganized FP2 session already marred by incidents between Fernando Alonso and Jack Doohan. But attention soon turned elsewhere when dry grass along Turn 8 caught fire twice — the second time towards the very end of the session, effectively shutting proceedings down for many drivers who were trying to do push laps.
The FIA initiated an investigation into the cause. Initial observations indicate that sparks from the cars' titanium skid blocks could have ignited areas of brittle, sun-dried grass on the edges of the circuit. The motorsport governing body is leaving no chance in the run-up to Saturday's FP3 and qualifying sessions.
“While we continue to look into the fires that occurred during FP2, our focus before tomorrow will be on taking preemptive measures,” the governing FIA said in a statement. “The grass has been cut as short as possible, and loose, dried grass has been removed from affected areas. Prior to tomorrow's sessions, the grass will be dampened, and specific response teams will be stationed around the track.”
This is not the first time that Formula 1 has been confronted with such a challenge. An identical problem was encountered at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, when practice was also affected by grass fires. That occasion led to an identical operating response from the FIA.
Also read: FIA’s new circuit map aims to reduce F1 safety car delays during on-track stoppages
With safety protocols now established, everyone will be watching how well the FIA's response works in containing environmental risks during high-speed racing. While qualifying is getting underway, the governing body remains alert, balancing safety with the need to maintain the competitive pace of the Japanese Grand Prix.
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