BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Getty Images

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz speaking with BBC Radio 5 Live: "By the time we started the race we were on inters but the track was into extreme conditions. I had no visibility so I tried to get out of Checo's [Sergio Perez] slipstream and suddenly I found myself in a puddle, started aquaplaning and lost the car.

"The most scary part came a bit later when I was stuck in the middle of the track and I could see cars coming and I knew they couldn't see I was there.

"Quite tricky and dangerous conditions out there right now, so I am not sure what is going to be the decision.

"Because I had done half a lap before that, I knew everyone coming behind me was not going to see me. You could see Pierre Gasly and a few others coming this close from taking me so if there is no visibility you are leaving it in God's hands so I hope race directors make the correct decision."

Carlos Sainz talking to Sky Sports: "To be honest I'm not too worried but I'm disappointed at crashing the car for the team but at the same time, the conditions were pretty much impossible with the visibility.

"I tried to get out of Checo's slip stream to see something but as soon as I got out I had more water in the tyres which sends me into a spin.

"It's then down to luck, the people behind you can't see you so you're praying for anyone not to hit you.

On the recovery vehicle incident: "Still at those speeds we see nothing, even behind the safety car. If a driver gets a bit out of the racing line and hits a tractor it over. I still don't know why we keep, in these conditions, have a tractor on track. It's just worthless, you were going to red flag it anyways - why risk it?."

Red flagpublished at 07:04 British Summer Time 9 October 2022

07:04 BST 9 October 2022

Lap 3/53

The conditions at Suzuka are no better as drivers, teams and fans wait for news as to when we will be back under way. Down at McLaren and the cuppa soups are being handing out to the crew on the cold, damp pit wall.

Jennie Gow
BBC Radio 5 Live pit-lane reporter

The incident Sam Bird was referring to was Jules Bianchi, who went off the track in 2014 and collided with a recovery vehicle and subsequently passed away from his injuries. Everybody is very aware of that moment in the sport's history. We don't want to see recovery vehicles on track when there is somebody on track. More questions will be asked of the FIA and how we get into a situation like this eight years on.

Sam Bird
Formula E driver on BBC Radio 5 Live

If they were going to red flag it, was was the rush to get the recovery vehicle out on the circuit? Why not wait until everyone has gone past and in the pitlane, then send it out.

WE have had an incident in the past, eight years ago. We don't need to be seeing that again. That is what Pierre Gasly was so irate. It shouldn't be happening.

Andrew Benson
BBC Sport’s chief F1 writer

Suspect that explanation will not wash with the drivers as to the timing of the release of the recovery vehicle.

A statement has been released by FIA on the recovery vehicle that was on track : The Safety Car had been deployed and the race neutralised. Car 10 [Pierre Gasly], which had collected damage and pitted behind the Safety Car, was driving at high speed to catch up to the field.

As conditions were deteriorating, the Red Flag was shown before Car 10 passed the location of the incident where it had been damaged the previous lap.

Aldo Reilly: The Restart has been suspended, this is an absolute shambles.

Cameron Robinson: I guess there also has to be a calendar and logistics conversation as well because you can't just slot Suzuka in I'd guess the best opportunity would be after Australia

Red flagpublished at 06:52 British Summer Time 9 October 2022

06:52 BST 9 October 2022

Lap 3/53

A desperate scramble for teams to bring back out the gazebos and grid trollies as the rain is still continuing to fall in Japan. Race control says a minimum of 10 minutes notice will be given for news of a restart.

Andrew Benson
BBC Sport’s chief F1 writer

Unusual practice, it has to be said

Stand down, folks.

Red flagpublished at 06:46 British Summer Time 9 October 2022

06:46 BST 9 October 2022

Lap 3/53

Race control has another message for teams and drivers: "Wet weather tyres are mandatory".

The Japanese Grand Prix will resume at 06:50 BST with a rolling start.

And just to add a bit more info: "There will be more than one lap behind the Safety Car".

The fans are soaked. What a shame after such a long time away from Suzuka.

Jennie Gow
BBC Radio 5 Live pit-lane reporter

Up and down the pitlane there is quite a lot of upset about what has happened. Sebastian Vettel is also making comments, saying next time they must inform us if there is a tractor on the road.

I am still waiting for comment from the FIA.

Red flagpublished at 06:42 British Summer Time 9 October 2022

06:42 BST 9 October 2022

Lap 3/53

Understandably, Pierre Gasly was furious with what he was witnessing on track. This was the radio message the Frenchman relayed to his pit wall:

"What is this? What is this tractor on track?! I passed next to it. This unacceptable. Remember what has happened. Can't believe this."

Red flagpublished at 06:41 British Summer Time 9 October 2022

06:41 BST 9 October 2022

Lap 3/53

Andrew Benson
BBC Sport’s chief F1 writer

It appears from videos that there was a recovery vehicle on track while cars were still out there. Gasly seems to have passed it just before the red flag. After what happened in Japan with Jules Bianchi in 2014, the drivers will be asking serious questions about that of race control.

Dave: Manchester or Suzuka

TC: at the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji we had 19 laps under safety car clearing water. 19!

Darren S: Calling it now - the race is over. Poor forecast ahead, 2hrs 45min of daylight left. This isn't going to restart.

News from race control...

Race will start in 15 minutes' time with a rolling start procedure.

Jennie Gow
BBC Radio 5 Live pit-lane reporter

I think the reason Pierre Gasly was so angry is because there was a tractor-like vehicle on the track that he was still driving around.

I have asked the FIA to clarify what was going on.