Persistent rain has forced the postponement of the qualifying session for tomorrow’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Several Formula One drivers have expressed disappointment after the Canadian Grand Prix was dropped from the 2009 calendar.

World champion Fernando Alonso was left to rue a ruling by race officials at the Japan Grand Prix that took the shine off Renault’s move back to the top of the standings in their battle with McLaren for the Formula One constructors’ title.

Kimi Raikkonen has downplayed his chances of a seventh victory of the season in Sunday’s Japan Grand Prix after suffering yet another engine failure.

THE decision to cancel today’s qualifying and practice sessions for the Japanese Grand Prix has averted a potential disaster, according to a majority of the drivers.