FIA releases updated Sao Paulo GP qualifying and race start times
11/02/2024 05:41 PM
The FIA has announced that qualifying for the Sao Paulo GP will take place on Sunday morning at 7:30 local time, while the race will start earlier than originally scheduled, at 12:30 local time.
Persistent heavy rain on Saturday afternoon wreaked havoc on proceedings at Interlagos, forcing the
postponement of the scheduled qualifying session.
Despite efforts by marshals to clear water from the surface, conditions remained unsafe, while the rainfall was relentless.
With sunset approaching at 18:20 local time, the FIA made the decision at 16:45 – nearly two hours after qualifying's intended start time – to postpone the session until Sunday morning,
Qualifying is now set for 7:30 a.m. local time in São Paulo (10:30 GMT), while the race has been moved up from 14:00 to 12:30 (15:30 GMT).
However, more rain is forecast for Sunday in São Paulo. But the adjusted times should give F1 and the FIA the best opportunity to complete both qualifying and the race.
"The decision has been taken, after consultation with the stewards, to schedule Qualifying for 07:30 local time on Sunday morning ahead of the Grand Prix at 12:30 local," the FIA said.
"This will ensure we maximise the chances or providing the fans with a day of racing action and both the FIA and Formula 1 believe this time change is necessary and the right thing to do for all our passionate fans.
"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."
FOM and the FIA added in a joint statement:
"Following the conditions in Sao 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.
"We have huge appreciation for all the fans that stayed at the circuit in hope of seeing cars on track today."
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