We have cars on track, the drivers spraying up water as they cruise around the track to do a systems check and get their eye in - they want to know where the puddles and rivers ready for the start.

Image source, Getty Images

Williams have not had a podium result in Japan since Ralf Schumacher (pictured, left) - remember him?! - in 2004 when he finished second behind brother Michael.

David Coulthard
BBC F1 co-commentator

"The only real hope for Jenson is Fernando Alonso takes a year out. If Alonso does move, you'd imagine McLaren would stay with Kevin Magnussen."

Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer

"Fernando Alonso was giving nothing away about his future after qualifying, following the announcement that Sebastian Vettel is leaving Red Bull. That is as a result of Alonso leaving, even if it has not been announced yet. Alonso insisted that 'some of the things that are happening are a consequence of my thinking' - a reference to the fact that it was only after he asked to leave Ferrari that they were free to go after Sebastian Vettel. 'Whatever I want to do I will do, and I will race more or less in whatever place I want,' he added. 'After that, the others will move their position.' Again true; his decision to leave has been the key to the market, and when it is confirmed where he will go more dominoes will fall.

"He said he had been 'very clear for the last two or three months. I know what I want to do and everything is moving in the right direction, but at the moment it is not 100% complete.' Again true - he has been talking to McLaren-Honda but no deal has been announced officially.

"What he did not say was what he had decided to do. McLaren chairman Ron Dennis said: 'We don't have a contract for any driver for respect of next year. That's a simple factual statement. The first thing we have got to be is massively attractive to all drivers and I hope we are still very attractive to the two who are currently and more than likely will be driving the cars next year.'

"But there is no answer as yet to the obvious question - why would Alonso leave Ferrari without a firm commitment on his future? There can only be three answers - he retires (highly unlikely); he takes a sabbatical (likewise) or he drives for McLaren, and a deal is already in place."

Image source, Getty Images

Rain has hit Suzuka on race day several times in the past - in 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 2000 to be precise.

Only in 1994 did the race stay wet from start to finish and in 1988 and 2000 it was nothing more than a mere drizzle.

Tropical storm Ma-On caused havoc in 2004, forcing Saturday's track action to be cancelled and the circuit to be evacuated. Qualifying took place on Sunday morning for the first time.

Andy Swan of Ubimet, the FIA's weather forecaster: "The typhoon is expected to go around Suzuka 06:00 or 07:00 tomorrow morning. It is likely to be light rain at the start with the chance of it getting heavier within the first half hour of the race. I expect there will be problems at the airport tomorrow morning to get to Russia."

David Coulthard
BBC F1 co-commentator

"It is terribly difficult to drive in the wet here as puddles form. The turning of the car is the big difficulty for the drivers. If you're in the middle of the park and in the spray you are driving blind."

We've got 10 minutes until the pit lane opens its doors so that the drivers can head out and assess the conditions before taking their place on the grid.

Allan McNish
BBC Radio 5 live analyst

"The weather will definitely affect the race. I feel this will be a start behind the safety car."

Rachel:, external Been awake since 4am to watch this race live, can't wait for the action between the Mercedes

Eylan Ezekiel:, external Awake for #bbcf1 at Suzuka... Hoping Typhoon allows race and that locals stay safe.

Lucinda Orr:, external Now this is hardcore. 2.20 go to bed 5.50am get up and watch the Japanese GP. Grrrrrrrrrrrrroooooaaaaaa. Better be good!

Eddie Jordan
BBC F1 chief analyst

"Sebastian must have had some very strange evenings in his sleep. But only he has made that decision, I'm quite sure of that. He said there was no problem with the team personnel. I think it is the right time for him to move."

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner reacts to Sebastian Vettel choosing to leave the team where he has enjoyed so much success: "There's an inevitability about this. He was always going to grow up and go somewhere else. The timing was quite abrupt and if someone's heart was not in it you have to let him go. We wish him the best of luck.

"It can't be anyone but Ferrari. I can't decide why they've not announced it. Michael Schumacher was a massive idol for him growing up. It is a lure for any driver. He's decided the time is right to break the cycle of Red Bull where he's been for 15 years."

Sebastian Vettel, who has won this race four times in the last five years: "Hopefully the rain won't pick up and we can start the race. If it's wet anything is possible. I will just be focusing on the race now."

Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer

"Felipe Massa had a bit of fun with Fernando Alonso in the drivers' interview 'pen' after qualifying. As Alonso was doing the round of interviews, dodging questions about his future, his former team-mate came up behind him and said: 'Are you going to Caterham? Huh? Marussia?' Alonso, whose decision to quit Ferrari opened the door for Sebastian Vettel's arrival, could only smile."

Image source, Getty Images

Here's a random stat for you. In years ending in a four rain has been a feature at Japanese GP. In 1994, the race was wet with 13 finishers and in 2004 qualifying had to be postponed to Sunday morning because of a typhoon.

Image source, Lotus/Twitter

Lotus:, external Wet set-up for today's #JapaneseGP drivers parade. Both drivers unequivocally confirm that it is in fact raining.

Eddie Jordan
BBC F1 chief analyst

"The job of getting everything here in Japan off to Sochi would have been a logistical nightmare anyway. So to add in the weather conditions will give a couple of nightmares."

Image source, McLaren

The drivers' parade was a bit of a damp squib as Jenson Button and co hovered underneath umbrellas while precariously perched on the back of a vintage car.

David Coulthard
BBC F1 co-commentator

"We don't get many wet races. Now the pressure is really on. This track in the dry is difficult but in the wet it is even more so."

We're live on BBC One, with Suzi Perry, Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard sheltering from the rain. A stream has formed and is running down the pit lane. It's going to be tricky today, very tricky.