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FIA and F1 confirm revised race day schedule 

By Reese Mautone

The FIA and Formula 1 have confirmed the revised schedule for Sunday’s proceedings in Brazil, with Qualifying set to take place at 7:30 AM local time while the Grand Prix itself has also been moved forward to avoid another expected downpour forecast for the afternoon.

The rescheduled timings come after the Grand Prix Qualifying session, which was due to run at 15:00 local time on Saturday afternoon, was washed out by torrential rain, with thunder and lightening also contributing to the pools of water around the circuit during the two-hour delay.

With the original session unable to run, the FIA made the call to postpone the grid-deciding hour, with it now confirmed to be taking place at 07:30 local time, ahead of the shifted Grand Prix.

The main event has been rescheduled to start at 12:30 local time, an hour and a half earlier than its original time slot due to similar wet conditions being forecast for the afternoon.

In a joint statement, the FIA and F1 announced the revised schedule.

“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,” the statement read.

“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.

“Therefore 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. 

“This will ensure we maximise the chances of providing the fans with a day of racing action, given the ongoing weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon, 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.”

For Australian fans, Qualifying will commence at 9:30 PM tonight, with the race to follow at 2:30 AM.

Image: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Schedule:

Saturday, November 2:

FP1: 01:30 – 02:30

Sprint Qualifying: 05:30 – 06:14

Sunday, November 3:

Sprint Race: 01:00 – 02:00

Qualifying: 21:30 – 22:30

Monday, November 4:

Race: 02:30

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