Typhoon Francisco continues to intensify and threaten the Grand Prix of Japan this weekend at Motegi, as Japanese government sources indicate the storm is the most powerful typhoon to take aim on Japan since 2004.

World Championship teams began unpacking shipping crates and setting up garages and pit boxes, as normal, Wednesday at Twin Ring Motegi. But personnel also were warned by circuit officials to not leave any tents, empty crates, fuel drums, work sinks and other equipment in the open due to the heavy winds forecast when the storm strikes eastern Japan Thursday and Friday.

Heavy rain is forecast for the circuit Friday and Saturday, with possible clearing Sunday.

The Japanese Grand Prix has been under a hex of natural disasters two of the last three years. In 2011, the race was postponed from April to October due to the tsunami and earthquake that ravaged the mainland and triggered the release of radiation from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant.