09/10/2010
NEWS STORY
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The air temperature is 20 degrees C, the track temperature is 20 degrees however, the most important thing is that, as expected, it's raining, it's raining hard, very, very hard.
While yesterday's two sessions took place in dry conditions, albeit under heavy cloud in the afternoon, rain has been predicted for much of today with a 50/50 chance of rain during the race.
Needless to say, as part of the track appear in danger being submerged, the session has been declared wet. Already sections of track have small 'rivers' running across them.
While a number of drivers, including Vettel, are already in their cars it's thought that there won't be too much running this morning.
Red Bull dominated both sessions yesterday while Lewis Hamilton only got limited running after crashing out in the morning. With his crew still repairing his car in the afternoon, the Englishman only got eight minutes if running.
Surprisingly, when the lights go green a number of cars go out, Alguersuari leading the way. Despite tip-toeing his way round, the Spaniard finds it treacherous.
Following his installation lap, di Grassi declares the track "impossible" adding that his car is aquaplaning everywhere.
Of the 23 drivers to go out for an installation lap only Button stays out for a second. Teammate Hamilton is waiting on spare parts being flown out from Woking.
Fourteen minutes into the session, Glock and Hulkenberg opt to chance the conditions again. A spin for the Virgin driver demonstrates that the rain is actually falling harder. "I'm coming in," he tells his crew, "I can't drive, the car is aquaplaning".
Twenty-four minutes into the session, with no times on the timesheets, Hamilton comers out for his first installation lap. Another moment for Alguersuari, who is on track just ahead of Hamilton, the Spaniard going off into the gravel but managing to keep going.
Despite his problems, Alguersuari posts the first time of the day, the Spaniard crossing the line at 1:58.016. Moments later Glock posts 2:07.016.
While his rivals wait resolutely for conditions to improve, Alguersuari gets down to a 55.902. Brave stuff from the Spanish youngster.
Returning to the pits, Alguersuari says that although the balance of the car is "fine", it is impossible to drive in a straight line.
With 18:33 on the clock, Buemi heads down the pitlane, his crew informing him that if the rain continues like this qualifying will not happen. If this should be the case, the grid-deciding session would take place on Sunday morning.
Buemi loses it on a large patch of standing water at the chicane. The Swiss, who manages to keep the Toro Rosso out of the barriers, is happy to make his way back to the safety of the pits.
With just under five minutes remaining Hamilton heads down the pitlane.
"Guys this is unbelievable," he tells his crew, "unbelievable, there are rivers running across the track everywhere".
Wisely, the McLaren driver completes his lap and heads straight back into his garage.
Clearly not one to give in, Alguersuari goes out again, followed by Buemi and Schumacher. However, the German opts to switch his car off and abort the run.
As Alguersuari splashes his way round, the session ends with just two times on the timesheets.
As we look ahead to qualifying, which is due to begin in two hours time, attention turns to the ever darkening skies. Sadly, the official word is that heavier rain clouds are moving in.
To check out our Saturday gallery, click here