The start of the Monaco Grand Prix has been delayed with the race red flagged before it even begun, due to heavy rain making conditions undriveable.
The race was due to start at 15:00 local time (14:00 BST) but around 15 minutes before the lights were set to go out, a light rain shower hit the track.
The FIA delayed the start to 15:09 for “safety reasons”, though it caused confusion on the grid with conditions suitable for the intermediate tyre.
“Race control was monitoring a severe downpour that was rapidly approaching the circuit, and as it arrived during the start procedure, the safety car start and its associated procedures were implemented,” the FIA said in a statement.
“This was done for safety reasons in consideration that there has been no wet running this weekend.”
A further delay to 15:16 was announced along with confirmation the formation lap would take place behind the Safety Car. That went ahead on schedule, but the rain intensified and race control decided to instead red flag the race after two formation laps.
The cars returned to the pits with the drivers heading off to their respective garages to dry off.
It’s not yet known when the race will begin.
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