Rain Delays Qualifying at Brazilian Grand Prix
Heavy Rainstorm Postpones Qualifying Session
A prolonged heavy rainstorm led to the postponement of qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday as deteriorating conditions and poor light ended the day’s action at Interlagos.
Session Delayed Until Sunday Morning
The session has been delayed until Sunday morning, in the hope the weather improves, but forecasts have suggested that may not be a foregone conclusion. Officials later said qualifying will take place on Sunday at 1030 GMT with the start of the race brought forward 90 minutes due to concerns over the weather and will get underway at 1530 GMT.
Marshals Clear Track of Surface Water
Marshals cleared surface water from the track after rain delayed the start of qualifying ahead of the Brazilian GP at Interlagos. (AP pic) As night began to fall on Saturday, drivers waved to fans on the pit-wall –- giving the big crowd who had waited for more than two hours in the rain -– some reward for their patience.
Formula One Boss Praises Fans
Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali confirmed the postponement at 1950 GMT and praised the fans inside the circuit for their patience and support. "First of all, the fans here are incredible," he told F1TV. "But unfortunately, we cannot control the weather and it is just not safe to drive. It’s as simple as that and problems too with the light make it worse so that’s it. The plan now is to run in the morning and the final check will be made with a plan and details for the day."
Safety Car Deployed
The Safety Car was deployed to evaluate the conditions several times with marshals using brooms to clear deep pools of water around the circuit and in the paddock and pit lane. After several inspections, it was announced the organisers hoped to begin the session at 1615 local (1915 GMT), but that proved to be impossible.
Drivers’ Reactions
Mercedes driver George Russell said it "looks very wet out there but maybe some places are OK – other places there are big puddles." His teammate in seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton joked he wanted improved wet weather tyres so he could go out in the rain, a suggestion laughed off by Domenicali. "Lewis wants to race," he said. "But it is too dark for that."
Qualifying to Resume on Sunday
The expectation among paddock observers was that qualifying would begin at 0900 local time (1200 GMT) on Sunday when world champion and series leader Max Verstappen will start the race with a five-place grid penalty for taking a new engine, his sixth of the season. Verstappen was penalised earlier on Saturday for an infringement of the Virtual Safety Car rules which cost him seconds and dropped him from third to fourth in the sprint race behind the triumphant McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri with Charles Leclerc promoted to third for Ferrari.
Conclusion
The postponement of qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix due to heavy rain and poor light has added an extra layer of uncertainty to the weekend’s events. With the session now set to take place on Sunday morning, fans and drivers alike will be eagerly awaiting the outcome.
FAQs
Q: Why was qualifying postponed?
A: Qualifying was postponed due to heavy rain and poor light, making it unsafe for drivers to take to the track.
Q: When will qualifying take place now?
A: Qualifying will take place on Sunday at 1030 GMT.
Q: Will the start of the race be affected?
A: Yes, the start of the race has been brought forward 90 minutes due to concerns over the weather and will now take place at 1530 GMT.