Japanese GP start time brought forward by one hour

Formula 1 has confirmed the session times for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka in October, completing the full schedule for the 2020 season.

F1 released the planned session times for the forthcoming season earlier this month, but left the schedule for the Suzuka race weekend on October 9-11 to be confirmed at a later date.

In an updated statement issued by F1 on Wednesday, it confirmed the session times for the Japanese Grand Prix, making a slight tweak to the raceday start.

The race will begin at 1310 local time at Suzuka, marking a one-hour shift forward on recent years when it has typically started at 1410.

Both Friday practice sessions will now start one hour later than in 2019. FP1 will run from 1100 to 1230, with FP2 starting at 1500 and finishing at 1630.

FP3 will take place at 1200 on Saturday before qualifying at 1500.

Last year’s Japanese Grand Prix saw both qualifying and the race take place on Sunday due to the threat posed by Typhoon Hagibis, resulting in all of Saturday’s running being cancelled.

Other changes to the schedule for 2020 compared to last year include a one-hour shift later for all of the sessions at the British Grand Prix, coming in line with the other European events. A similar tweak has been made for the Fridays in China, Canada and Mexico, while the United States Grand Prix will also start one hour later on race day.

You can view the full calendar for the 2020 Formula 1 season by clicking here.