09/10/2010
NEWS STORY
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While only two drivers posted times during this morning's sodden practice session, the conditions have shown no sign of letting up for today's qualifying session. Indeed, there is already talk of rescheduling the session for Sunday morning, as happened in 2004 when a typhoon hit the region.
The FIA's Charlie Whiting hasn't given up however, and has said that even if the conditions prevent the session getting underway on time he is prepared to give it up to two more hours before rescheduling. F1 fans being the hardy bunch that they are will no doubt brave it out, whether they be sitting in front of their TVs and PCs or sitting in the grandstands.
Then again, while the weathermen have got it right today, can we be sure that tomorrow will be any better, what if the rain continues?
Red Bull dominated both sessions yesterday, but all that's gone out of the window today with virtually no running this morning.
Following his crash in FP1, a crash which resulted in him only getting 8 minutes of running in the second session, Lewis Hamilton is buoyed by the fact that vital spare parts have been flown in from Woking overnight.
Five minutes before the session is officially scheduled to begin it is raining as hard as ever. No doubt, considering the conditions, and the lack of running, most drivers will be hoping that the session is rescheduled. On the other hand some of the back-of-the-grid teams would be delighted to see the session get underway as it offers the very best possibility for a real upset.
The air temperature is 20 degrees C and the track temp 19 degrees as Charlie Whiting announces that the start of the session has been put back by 30 minutes with a further decision at 14:20.
As the Safety Car splashes around the track the sky has noticeably darkened. It will be a miracle if there is any further action today.
At 14:21 officials announce a delay of another 30 minutes taking us up to 15:00.
At 14:46 the Safety Car takes to the track once again and it is clear that the rain isn't letting up. Officials should simply bite the bullet and cancel the session, this is not doing anyone any favours it is a poor advert for F1.
That said, who would want to be in Charlie Whiting's position for if he were to cancel the session and the rain were to suddenly stop he'd be the one in the firing line.
Surprise, surprise, race officials announce yet another delay, thereby taking us up to 15:30. If there's another delay that'll be it for today, the session will take place tomorrow.
At 14:55, with Charlie Whiting still to make a decision, in the UK the BBC decides that the session will be postponed until Sunday and promptly ends its coverage.
At 15:18 the Safety Car leaves the pits for what will surely be the final inspection. Bob Constanduros e-mails to say that some part of the track are looking "worse than ever".
Shortly after the Safety Car returns to the pits, the FIA announces that the session is postponed and will now take place tomorrow (Sunday) at 10:00.
To check out our Saturday gallery, click here