Rain eases for Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying, but more expected for race

pdock at Interlagos smelled of scrambled eggs and coffee early Sunday morning, minutes ahe of start of qualifying for Brazilian Grand Prix later in afteron.

rain eased eugh in Sao Paulo so session could take place, but forecasts for Formula One race suggest track will be wet when Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren's Lando rris resume ir fight for drivers' championship.

Qualifying started in low grip conditions at 7:30 a.m. local time (1030 GMT), and start of Grand Prix was brought forward from 2 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. (1530 GMT). All drivers set off on wet tires.

Many drivers arrived at Interlagos around 6 a.m. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr. took time to serve coffee for team staffers as y prepared for qualifying.

Organizers said qualifying on Sunday h only happened five times in F1 history and a German driver has secured pole position on every occasion. most recent was at 2019 Japanese Grand Prix, with four-time champion Sebastian Vettel starting from front.

FIA anunced qualifying h been postponed Saturday after a two-hour delay, with cars having chance to clock any laps. It said in a statement that decision was taken due to lack of visibility caused by level of rain, "with a lot of standing water on parts of circuit which renders conditions unsafe."

Many of more than 60,000 fans that came to Interlagos on Saturday did t appear for qualifying Sunday morning.

gap between rris and Verstappen, with four grands prix and a final sprint race to end of season, is w 44 points. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also has a long shot at title.

Organizers are yet to decide wher tribute to legendary three-time champion Ayrton Senna will take place on Sunday. late Brazilian's title-winning McLaren is scheduled to be driven by one of his biggest fans, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.