Despite some breaks in the rain, a light drizzle began early Sunday morning, April 26, at the Autopolis circuit in Ōita Prefecture, Japan. As the scheduled start time of 14:30 p.m. local time approached, the rain intensified, and fog rolled in near the first corner. Under these conditions, the decision was made to cancel the race.
The race was originally scheduled to start at 14:30 PM with a formation lap. However, five minutes before the scheduled time, race control announced a start delay, and the cars remained stationary on the grid awaiting an improvement in weather conditions.
At 14:48 PM, the start procedure finally began behind the safety car. However, as the car reached the middle of the first lap, a red flag was waved. Due to heavy rain and water accumulation on the track, the cars were once again brought to a halt on the starting grid.
The race was ultimately unable to resume, and the third round was officially canceled. Promoter Japan Race Promotion Co., Ltd. held a press conference to announce the decision. President and CEO Yoshihisa Ueno explained the circumstances and indicated that adjustments were being made to arrange a replacement event.
The next round will be a two-race event: the fourth round (qualifying and race) will take place on Saturday, May 23, and the fifth round (qualifying and race) on Sunday, May 24, at the Suzuka circuit. Kakunoshin Ohta therefore leaves Autopolis as the championship leader, as he was after the first weekend at Motegi.
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