Updated Brazilian Grand Prix Qualifying and Race Times After Rain Postponement
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Updated schedule for the Brazilian Grand Prix after qualifying session postponement due to rain. FIA confirms new start times for qualifying and race.
Updated Brazilian Grand Prix Qualifying and Race Times Confirmed After Rain Postponement
The FIA has confirmed the updated schedule for qualifying and the Brazilian Grand Prix after heavy rain forced the postponement of Saturday’s qualifying session at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo. With standing water making the track unsafe and conditions worsening, qualifying had to be pushed back to Sunday, causing changes to the weekend timetable.
New Qualifying and Race Schedule for the Brazilian Grand Prix
Formula 1 fans in Brazil and around the world will see an adjusted timetable for the Brazilian Grand Prix, as qualifying has been rescheduled for Sunday, November 3rd. The new time for qualifying is set for 7:30 AM local time (10:30 AM GMT), followed by the race, which has been brought forward by 90 minutes to start at 12:30 PM local time (3:30 PM GMT).
This tight turnaround in times for teams and drivers is not unprecedented in Formula 1, with previous races like the 2004 Japanese Grand Prix also having Sunday morning qualifying sessions due to similar weather disruptions. The decision to reschedule was made after extensive consultation with race officials and stewards to ensure the safety of all participants.
Weather Conditions Affecting the Brazilian Grand Prix
Rain continues to be a factor at Interlagos, with the Met Office forecasting light rain for much of Sunday in Sao Paulo. There is a high probability of rain throughout the day, with a 90% chance of rain around lunchtime, which could further complicate the event. Despite these challenges, both the FIA and Formula 1 are hopeful that conditions will improve enough to allow the race and qualifying to proceed as planned.
FIA and Formula 1 Statement on Qualifying Postponement
In an official statement, the FIA and Formula 1 explained that the postponement was necessary due to poor visibility, standing water on the track, and fading light, all of which posed serious safety concerns for drivers and teams. The statement also acknowledged the patience of fans who remained at the circuit, hoping to see the cars on track.
The statement read: “Following the conditions in São Paulo today, 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.”
The statement continued: “We have huge appreciation for all the fans that stayed at the circuit in hope of seeing cars on track today. Therefore, after consultation with the stewards, the decision has been made to schedule qualifying for 07:30 local time on Sunday morning ahead of the Grand Prix at 12:30 local.”
FIA and Formula 1's Commitment to Fans
Both the FIA and Formula 1 emphasized their commitment to providing an exciting race day for the passionate fans in attendance and around the world. They expressed their appreciation for the support of the fans, drivers, teams, marshals, and all involved in making the event happen despite the challenges.
“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,” the statement concluded.
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