According to far eastern newspaper The Hindu, organizers of this weekend’s Korean Grand Prix are bracing for the effects of typhoon forecast to hit South Korea on Sunday.

Typhoon Fitow is at present east of the Philippines moving towards the Korean peninsula. The Formula One race at the Korea International Circuit in Yeongam, about 400 kilometres south of Seoul, is scheduled at 3 p.m. (0600 GMT) on Sunday, with qualifying on Saturday from 2 p.m..

“We are setting up plans for safety issues,” a spokesman for the organisers said.

Meteorologists say Saturday’s qualifying is likely to be affected by the approaching storm. Wind and rain are forecast for the southern part of South Korea on Sunday.

“Whether directly or indirectly, there will be some influence by the typhoon,” a spokesman for Korea meteorological centre said.

The 2010 Korean GP was also affected by heavy rain which delayed the start of the race and led to extended safety-car periods.