Qualifying cancelled in Japan Grand Prix

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.

Yesterday’s practice sessions were held in atrocious conditions after persistent rain and with Typhoon Ma-on heading for Suzuka today, officials took the unprecedented step of postponing qualifying over safety fears.

Several cars spun off on the slippery track, which had rivers of water running across in many areas, and all drivers agreed racing would be impossible in such conditions.