Brazilian GP to start early after qualifying on Sunday morning · RaceFans

The FIA has announced drastic changes to Sunday’s timetable for the Brazilian Grand Prix after postponing today’s qualifying session due to heavy rain.

With more rain expected to fall at the Interlagos circuit the FIA has taken the rare step of moving the start time for the grand prix 90 minutes earlier. The race will begin at 12:30pm local time instead of its originally scheduled 2:00pm start.

Qualifying, originally scheduled for 3pm today, will now be held at 7:30am. Assuming the session concludes on time, teams will therefore have a four-hour period between the end of qualifying and the start of the grand prix.

The FIA has made sweeping changes to the race weekend schedule as forecasts indicate a strong chance of more rain and thunderstorms throughout Sunday in Sao Paulo. The earlier starting times for both sessions should maximise the chance for running to go ahead.

F1 and the FIA issued a joint statement saying “the decision was taken not to proceed with qualifying due to poor visibility, standing water on the track and fading light.

“Safety is always the paramount consideration in such circumstances and while as much time as possible was given to allow conditions to improve they sadly did not. We have huge appreciation for all the fans that stayed at the circuit in hope of seeing cars on track today.

“Therefore the decision has been taken, after consultation with the stewards, to schedule qualifying for 7:30 local time on Sunday morning ahead of the Grand Prix at 12:30 local. This will ensure we maximise the chances of providing the fans with a day of racing action, given the ongoing weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon, and both the FIA and Formula 1 believe this time change is necessary and the right thing to do for all our passionate fans.

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“We thank everyone for their patience today including the fans, drivers, teams, marshals, circuit staff and media and hope to give everyone an exciting event on Sunday.”

F1’s governing body faced strong criticism three years ago when no racing laps were completed in the Belgian Grand Prix when sustained rain fell throughout Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps.

Other track activities have been rescheduled or cancelled in order for the F1 sessions to go ahead. The second races for the Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil and Porsche Sprint Challenge Brazil will not take place. The Brazilian Formula 4 race originally scheduled for 11:05am has been moved forwards by two hours.

Lewis Hamilton’s demonstration run in a McLaren raced by Ayrton Senna will take place at 10am.

This article will be updated.