Qualifying for the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix has been delayed due to a deluge of rain at the Brazil-based Interlagos circuit.
Whereas Saturday’s Sprint race got underway amid dry conditions, a heavy weather storm rolled through Interlagos in the build-up to qualifying for Sunday’s GP.
With the rain unrelenting, the FIA stepped in to delay qualifying, which was slated to get underway at 15:00 local time.
A further announcement was due at 15:30 local time, to determine how F1 would proceed.
Time was scarce to fit qualifying in before sunset at Interlagos, due at 18:21 local time with now end of rain in sight.
However, completing Q1 alone will be enough to set the grid for Sunday’s race.
If the weather doesn’t subside and the track isn’t fit for running qualifying could well be delayed to Sunday morning.
However, with poor weather also forecast for Sunday afternoon, there’s no guarantee running will be smooth for the GP.
Ahead of making a decision, the FIA sent the Medical Car to lap Interlagos in order to review conditions out on track.
Following that lap, the FIA announced a new start time for quali at 16:00 local time (19:00 GMT).
This was then delayed to 16:15, 16:30, 16:45 and 17:00 in a series of postponements.
