09:24 09Oct2004 AAP-Motor: Japanese GP escapes 'Ma-on' typhoon

Fears that a typhoon could disrupt tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix have
subsided as the storm passed Suzuka without causing damage today.
The heavy rain that caused havoc in yesterday's practice and prompted
the postponement of today's qualifying stopped in Suzuka at around 1500
local time (1600 AEST) as Typhoon Ma-on has moved east towards Tokyo.
Formula One officials took the unprecedented step of postponing
qualifying to the morning of the race after several drivers skidded off
during yesterday's practice.
With Ma-on bringing winds of up to 160kph near its centre, race
organisers decided to close the Suzuka circuit today.
The typhoon is one of the strongest recorded in Asia this year and the
record ninth to hit Japan this year. Last week storm Meari killed 27 people.