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Japan 2008 - Qualifying - It's all about weather-watch and tyre-concern in Fuji

Published by Christine

All my forecasts for rain on Saturday have come true! I should have been a weathergirl. However, the rain arrived prior to Free Practice 3, so although the session was declared wet, the track dried out as time wore on. In the last few minutes, things went a little bit crazy and we saw Piquet in P1, with Coulthard in P2. Weird. Things righted themselves slightly and Kubica finished top with Glock close behind. Considering the Toyota's strong form in all conditions, I'm holding out high hopes for Glock this weekend.

Ferrari left it late before they came out of the pit lane, which was hardly surprising. Lewis Hamilton finished in 11th during the morning session, as he obviously felt comfortable after doing just 8 laps. While his teammate also took it easy in the latter stages.

So, what does that mean for qualifying? It doesn't look like they'll be any more rain, so the track will have more time to dry. Grid positions are super important as the action is so close, and if there is any more precipitation, things have the chance to get mixed up even more.

Needless to say, we want your predictions. Who will win the battle at the top? Will the championship be all but sewn up here? Who will get pole for a Fuji?

Also, let us know where you are, how you're watching, and whether it's crazy o'clock. Thankfully, ITV do know about qualifying so we will be watching that, whilst looking at the live timing, assuming it is working. See you in the comments!




All my forecasts for rain on Saturday have come true! I should have been a weathergirl. However, the rain arrived prior to Free Practice 3, so although the session was declared wet, the track dried out as time wore on.

Event start

06:00GMT +01:00

11 October 2008