Earthquake hits Suzuka.
Preparations for the Japanese Grand Prix were thrown into temporary confusion this morning as an earthquake rocked the Suzuka region during free practice.
The 'quake, which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale, was enough to make buildings at the circuit shake and sway, sending worried inhabitants scurrying for the safety of open ground, but failed to halt practice activity for more than a minute or two. No damage or injury has so far been reported.
Preparations for the Japanese Grand Prix were thrown into temporary confusion this morning as an earthquake rocked the Suzuka region during free practice.
The 'quake, which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale, was enough to make buildings at the circuit shake and sway, sending worried inhabitants scurrying for the safety of open ground, but failed to halt practice activity for more than a minute or two. No damage or injury has so far been reported.
Japan, which is known for its earthquake activity, last suffered a tremor of today's magnitude at Kobe, which caused 6000 deaths and massive disruption to the region. Minor landslides have been reported following the Suzuka 'quake, and are thought to have temporarily buried workers at a nearby construction site but, apart from some structural damage in surrounding areas, there is understood to be little damage and no loss of life.
Suzuka plays host to the penultimate round of the world championship this weekend, with Mika Hakkinen trailing Michael Schumacher by eight points.
