The FIA ​​has confirmed that qualifying for the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix will now take place on Sunday morning at 07:30 local time and the start of the race will be brought forward to 12:30 local time.

On Saturday afternoon, qualifying had to be repeatedly delayed and finally postponed due to heavy rain over Sao Paulo, as standing water made the Interlagos track impassable despite all the marshals' efforts to clear the track surface.

The approaching sunset around 6:20 p.m. local time was the final nail in the coffin as the FIA ​​decided to postpone qualifying at 4:45 p.m., almost two hours after the original start time.

Qualifying will now take place on Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. Sao Paulo time (10:30 a.m. GMT). The start of the race has also changed and has been brought forward from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. (15:30 GMT).

More rain is expected in Sao Paulo on Sunday, with the early session times giving Formula 1 and the FIA ​​the best chance of winning both qualifying and the race.

The safety car on the track in wet conditions

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

“After consultation with the stewards, the decision was made to schedule qualifying for 7:30 a.m. local time on Sunday morning ahead of the Grand Prix at 12:30 p.m. local time,” the FIA ​​said.

“This will ensure we maximize the chances of giving fans a day of racing action and both the FIA ​​and Formula 1 believe this time change is necessary and the right thing for all of our passionate fans. “

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

Regarding the postponement of Saturday's qualifying, the joint statement from F1 and FIA said: “Due to today's conditions in Sao Paulo, the decision has been made not to proceed with qualifying due to poor visibility, standing water on the track and fading light.”

“Safety is always paramount in such circumstances and whilst as much time as possible was given to allow conditions to improve, unfortunately this was not done.”

“We would like to thank all the fans who stayed at the track and hoped to see cars on the track today.”