F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was left to concede that conditions at Interlagos for São Paulo Grand Prix qualifying were "not safe to drive", forcing the FIA to postpone the session until Sunday morning.
The heavens opened over the São Paulo circuit around 30 minutes before qualifying was due to officially start at 3pm local time. The rain refused to relent and offer a window of opportunity to get in any running.
Despite numerous inspections of the track by safety car driver Bernd Maylander, the continual rain and, as a consequence, the standing water on the track ultimately forced the FIA's hand and a postponement until Sunday morning was called at 16.45pm.
"We cannot control the weather, as you know, and it's a pity, but the conditions are not safe to drive, as simple as that," explained Domenicali to F1TV.
With sunset due at 18.21pm - not that it would have been visible given the gloom - Domenicali added: "And there is also a problem of light, so unfortunately, that's the situation we have to manage."
Confirming qualifying would run on Sunday morning, but with a time to be confirmed, Domenicali said: "Now the FIA is doing the final check on what could be the right timing to organise the quali and to follow up the plan, to complete the day.
"Because, as you know, it's a great event, and we need to make sure that we can maximise everything in conditions that can be acceptable, of course."
Hailing the fans for their patience, Domenicali said: "Unbelievable. They are unique. We need to thank them, but they will understand that racing in this condition is impossible."
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