Brazil’s Formula One Grand Prix qualifier delayed due to heavy rainfall in Sao Paulo
The qualifying race for Brazil's Formula One Grand Prix was delayed after heavy rainfall in Sao Paulo on Saturday for several hours.
Brazil's Sao Paulo Formula One Grand Prix qualifier was rescheduled for two hours due to unfavourable weather conditions following heavy rain and lightning on Sunday, reported Reuters. As per the revised timing, race will begin at 1230 local time instead of 1400 (1700 GMT).
After being delayed for two hours with no improvement in conditions, amid fading daylight, officials decided Saturday's qualifying could not proceed. The decision to delay the race came after unfavourable driving conditions.
"It's a pity but the conditions are not safe to drive, as simple as that," Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali told F1 television in a pitlane interview as the rain continued to fall. "Racing in these conditions is impossible."
Highlighting the safety of drivers, team members, and volunteers, the governing FIA said that a decision on fixing the new start time will be taken soon.
"The safety of drivers, team members, volunteers, officials and spectators is our main priority," it said. "A decision on a start time for qualifying tomorrow morning will be taken as soon as possible."
More rain forecast on Sunday
More rains have been predicted on Sunday in the past. At the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix when a passing typhoon forced a delay.
Saturday's sprint race at Interlagos, won by Lando Norris in a McLaren one-two, was held in dry conditions as was Friday practice and sprint qualifying.
Brazil is in the twenty-first round of the twenty-four race championship and the last of an American treble on successive weekends.
The triple world champion Max Verstappen leads close rival Norris by 44 points. Red Bull's triple world champion Max Verstappen leads closest rival Norris by 44 points and any race cancellation would have a huge impact on the title outcome.
If all goes ahead as planned, Verstappen will have a five place grid penalty for the race after exceeding his engine allocation.
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Business NewsSportsSports NewsBrazil’s Formula One Grand Prix qualifier delayed due to heavy rainfall in Sao Paulo
First Published:3 Nov 2024, 06:19 AM IST
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