Torrential Downpours Hit Interlagos

Torrential downpours have left the Interlagos circuit resembling a river rather than a race track just two hours before the start of today's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Expected thunderstorms arrived at 11:00 local time and conditions have failed to improve since, with the start of the Grand Prix in Sao Paulo guaranteed to be on a wet track. Both tyre suppliers - Bridgestone and Michelin - have opted to bring intermediates rather than full wets as their one selection for wet conditions.

Friday's qualifying session had been threatened by a driver revolt, with the drivers against running on a heavily wet track with the intermediate tyres after doing so in practice. McLaren driver David Coulthard, who led the driver petition against running, said on Friday he expected to run the race behind the safety car in heavy rain.

But on Saturday the sport's governing body, the FIA, clarified the situation stating that teams had agreed to the one wet tyre rule in October 2002 and said they were "surprised" tyre suppliers had brought intermediates to Brazil.