Brazilian GP: Major storm set to hit circuit

"Brazil's National Institute of Meterology has issued an orange alert for storms, predicting heavy rain and high winds on Saturday morning. The inclement weather may extend through the day -- Formula 1 has a sprint race at 11 a.m. local time, before qualifying for Sunday's grand prix at 3 p.m. local time. The FIA confirmed to ESPN that the worst weather is currently estimated to hit the circuit between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., although a spokesperson was quick to point out that estimate could change overnight."

"There are other concerns beyond simply the timing of the sessions. Paddock curfew ends at 6.30 a.m., meaning the time currently estimated as the worst for weather would be right as team personnel arrive to prepare their cars for the day. Advice to teams has been to keep garages closed outside of any on-track activities to minimize any ill-effects from bad weather."

"Brazil's race has become synonymous for bad weather, which has thrown up memorable and dramatic events for decades. Memorably last year Red Bull's Max Verstappen turned in one of the great drives of F1's modern era, going from 17th to victory in heavy rain which caught out many of the field. Bad weather could benefit Verstappen again on Saturday -- the championship outsider starts the sprint from sixth position, having looked off the pace in dry conditions."

An orange alert from Brazil's National Institute of Meterology predicts heavy rain and high winds at Interlagos on Saturday morning. The sprint race is scheduled for 11 a.m. local time, with one-hour qualifying at 3 p.m. local time the same day. The FIA estimates the worst weather between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., a timeframe that could delay the sprint and compress the day's schedule before sunset at 6.30 p.m. Paddock curfew ends at 6.30 a.m., coinciding with team personnel arrival, and teams have been advised to keep garages closed outside on-track activities. The FIA will monitor conditions and may move qualifying to Sunday if necessary.

Read at ESPN.com