Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying hit by delay

Qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix has been delayed by at least 15 minutes due to concerns over debris on track.

A number of cuts to tyres were discovered by Pirelli after the weekend's only practice session at Interlagos, with Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso hit with a puncture during the hour of running.

Just 10 minutes before the scheduled start of qualifying, the FIA confirmed there would be a delay while the track was cleaned and swept.

Pirelli Head of Motorsport Mario Isola indicated the Italian manufacturer had asked the governing body to clean the track following practice having discovered the cuts, though initially suggested that the issue was related to the pit lane rather than on track.

A spokesperson for the FIA explained: "Delay to the start of qualifying due to the need to do further sweeping/cleaning of the track after the previous session."

Ferrari enters the session on the front foot having finished one-two in practice - Carlos Sainz ahead of Charles Leclerc - but rain is forecast.