Qualifying for Sao Paulo Grand Prix postponed until Sunday due to weather conditions

Qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix has been postponed until Sunday morning, with new start times confirmed for the session and the race.

The session had been due to run at 1500 local time on Saturday afternoon at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, but the start of Q1 was postponed when torrential rain – along with thunder and lightning – hit the circuit, resulting in pools of water forming on the track.

READ MORE: New start times confirmed for rescheduled Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying and race

As the rain continued to fall in the time that followed – and with the forecast suggesting there would be no abating in the weather – it was announced that qualifying would not be able to take place, with the session now set to run on Sunday prior to the Grand Prix.

A statement released by the FIA immediately after the postponement said: “The decision was taken due to the lack of visibility caused by the level of rain we have experienced in the past few hours. There is a lot of standing water on parts of the circuit which renders conditions unsafe.

“As much as we would all like to see competition on track, the safety of drivers, team members, volunteers, officials and spectators is our main priority.

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“A decision on a start time for qualifying tomorrow morning will be taken as soon as possible.”

New start times have since been confirmed, with qualifying due to start at 0730 local time while the Grand Prix itself is moved forwards to 1230 local time. You can read full details here.

Speaking to F1 TV immediately after the confirmation that qualifying had been postponed, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “First of all let me once again reiterate the fact that these fans are incredible. We cannot control the weather as you know, and it’s a pity, but the conditions are not safe to drive.

“There is a problem also of light that will very soon hit the track so unfortunately that’s the situation we have to manage.”

When asked if the plan would be to hold qualifying on Sunday morning, prior to the revised start times being announced, Domenicali added: “Yes, that’s the plan now. The FIA is doing the final check on what could be the right timing to organise the quali and to follow up the plan to complete the day.

“As you know it’s a great event and we need to make sure that we can maximise everything in all the conditions that can be acceptable of course.”

And, when asked about the fans and their high spirits at the circuit despite the postponement, Domenicali continued: “Unbelievable. They are unique and unfortunately – as I said, we just need to thank them – but they will understand that racing in these conditions is impossible."