Final practice session for the Russian Grand Prix cancelled due to heavy rain at Sochi

Heavy rain at the Sochi Autodrom has led to the cancellation of Free Practice 3 for the Russian Grand Prix – with doubts remaining over the possibility of holding qualifying on Saturday afternoon.

FP3 had been due to start at 1200 local time. But with heavy rain, along with thunder and lightning, having hit Sochi on Saturday morning, the decision was made to cancel the third practice session.

READ MORE: Masi outlines plan if rain affects Saturday running at Russian GP, including potential Sunday qualifying

“In the interest of safety [the decision has been taken] to modify the Official Programme by cancelling Free Practice Session 3 due to Force Majeure,” ran the decision from the race stewards.

“For the purposes of the regulations and associated time limits, Free Practice Session 3 will be considered as having taken place, except where otherwise advised by the Race Director.”

The Russian Grand Prix weekend has already been subject to alterations, with the first Formula 3 race moved to Friday evening – where Norway’s Dennis Hauger was crowned champion – before bad weather led to an indefinite delay of Saturday morning’s F2 race.

F3: Dennis Hauger clinches 2021 title as Sargeant wins opening Sochi race

F1 qualifying is currently set to take place 1500 local time – but FIA Race Director Michael Masi touted the possibility of moving the session to Sunday morning if the weather persists, telling the media at the start of Saturday: “If qualifying isn’t able to happen today, as we’ve seen a few times before in the past, then we will re-do a programme and hold qualifying on Sunday morning.”

Stay tuned to F1.com for all the latest news on the situation, as we get it.

UPDATE

At just before 1300 local time in Sochi, the FIA announced there would be no track running at all before F1 qualifying, meaning the second F3 race of the weekend has been moved to Sunday morning, as it stands.

Click here to see the full weekend schedule, which will be updated as and when there are any further changes.