The FIA is being updated with detailed weather forecasts as a rapidly approaching typhoon threatens to disrupt this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Typhoon Phanfone is expected to make landfall as a category 3-4 storm although it is predicted that it will pass south of the Suzuka circuit.

However, heavy rain and high winds are likely to affect race day, leaving the FIA with no option but to monitor the typhoon’s progress intently.

Weather forecasters UBIMET are on the ground at Suzuka delivering regular reports to the FIA and teams to assist any possible scheduling changes that could be required as a result of the weather.

Any weather disruption could provide teams with a logistical headache with equipment required to be transported to Sochi ahead of next week’s inaugural Russian Grand Prix.

“Typhoon Phanfone (cat. 3-4) is now located south of Japan in the Western Pacific,” read a statement from UBIMET.

“Expert Meteorologists from UBIMET are already on the scene in Suzuka delivering continuous detailed weather forecasts to the FIA and all Formula 1 teams.

“Another tough challenge is how to logistically cope with the typhoon when the equipment is packed after the race.

“There are still big uncertainties for the storm track in the coming days.

“The current forecast track for typhoon Phanfone keeps the eye of the storm to the southeast of Japan on Sunday but with associated rainbands extending north towards Suzuka during the morning.

“Once it starts the rain is likely to be prolonged and become increasingly heavy.”

This is not the first time a typhoon has affected the race, with a similar situation in 2004 forcing qualifying to be postponed until the Sunday morning.

McLaren’s Jenson Button outlined his concerns regarding the threat of the typhoon and is hopeful Sunday’s race will go ahead unaffected.

“I hope that we can race on Sunday, that’s the first thing,” he said.

“With a typhoon coming this way it’s always very tricky. Hopefully it will miss us.

“It’s going to be a mixed weekend in terms of weather; tomorrow there’s a good chance of rain as well.

“I think it’s really just thinking on your feet and staying on top of all the different weather forecasts.”