Super GT postpones Suzuka race due to threat of typhoon

Super GT has moved this weekend’s race in Suzuka to December due to an approaching typhoon in Japan.

The Suzuka 350km, originally scheduled to take place as round five from August 31 to September 1, will now be held as the season finale on December 7 and 8, organisers GTA announced on Wednesday.

The schedule change comes in response to a massive storm, dubbed Typhoon 10, expected to hit the southern island of Kyushu on Thursday, potentially causing disruptions in parts of the country until at least Saturday.

“Regarding the Super GT Round 5 scheduled for August 31 and September 1, we have decided to postpone the event to December 7-8, considering the safety of visitors and related parties due to the effects of Typhoon No. 10, as well as the expected impact on public transportation,” a statement said.

“We ask for understanding from all fans who were looking forward to the match and from everyone involved.”

According to local reports, a level 5 emergency warning, the highest of its kind, was issued in one village in Kagoshima Prefecture. Level 4 evacuation orders were also issued in Shizuoka Prefecture, where the Suzuka circuit is located.

Three cities in Shizuoka, located on the larger island of Honshu north of Kyushu, are at risk of landslides due to heavy rainfall.

The typhoon could also disrupt rail services across Japan, including the shinkansen (bullet train) line that connects Suzuka to the Japanese capital Tokyo via Nagoya.

With the Suzuka race postponed until December, the next Super GT race will be held at Suzuka on September 21-22.

All rounds of the Super GT season can be streamed live on Motorsport.tv