After two bone-dry races in the desert (Bahrain and Saudi Arabia) and a Grand Prix at sunny Albert Park in Melbourne, there is a good chance that drivers will be treated to wet conditions for the fourth Grand Prix of the season. That seems like good news for experienced rain drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Suzuka and rain; they are inextricably linked. One of the reasons for moving the Grand Prix from October to April is because it avoids racing in the middle of the rainy season. April would usually be drier. The emphasis here on the word 'would'. Because if Weather.com 's preliminary weather reports are to be believed, it could get pretty wet next weekend.

Biggest chance of rain on Sunday in Suzuka

For now, the weather agency gives a 60 per cent chance of rain during Sunday, the day the Japanese Grand Prix will be finished. Some six millimetres of water could fall, it is expected. There is also a chance of rain on Saturday, but it is much smaller. For now, it is estimated at around 25 per cent. On the opening day of the race weekend, when two free practice sessions are scheduled, there is a similar chance of rain.

There is one piece of luck for Formula 1 drivers though: next Wednesday, there is a 100 per cent chance of rain. In fact, the weather agency believes it will be heavy precipitation, with up to 25 millimetres of water falling in Suzuka.