Domenicali thinks it was the right decision to postpone qualifying
Formula One's CEO and President Stefano Domenicali insists that the sport has made the right decision to postpone yesterday's qualifying session for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
After thunder and lightning hit the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace ahead of the start of qualifying, Formula One has been forced to postpone the qualifying for the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Although the F1 Sao Paulo Sprint took place in nice weather conditions, it started raining very heavily about 45 minutes before qualifying was due to begin. With thunder and lightning around too, qualifying was delayed by 15-minute intervals.
Although the storm passed the Sao Paulo circuit, the rain has remained, which has forced the sport to postpone the qualifying session.
Speaking to F1TV after the decision to postpone qualifying, Formula One's CEO and President Stefano Domenicali insisted that the sport has made the right decision to postpone qualifying to Sunday.
“First of all, let me once again reiterate the fact that these fans are incredible. 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.
"And there is a problem also of light that very soon will hit the track. Unfortunately that’s the situation we have to manage. The FIA is doing the final check on what could be the right timing to organize 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 maximize everything in all the conditions that can be acceptable.”
After the decision, Formula One and the FIA have made a quick decision regarding the modified schedule, announcing that they have brought forward the start times of qualifying and the race of tomorrow’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix to cover for the chances of more weather disruptions.
Following the decision, the FIA noted: "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.
"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 or 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.
