The FIA has delayed the start of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after the heavens opened up over the Sepang International Circuit.
The 56-lap race at Sepang has been delayed after heavy rain fell over the track just 30 minutes before lights out.
The weather forecast predicted rain all weekend, but after two days of dry running, the rain shower has thrown a spanner in the works for the teams in terms of strategy.
As the rain shower got heavier, the FIA decided to delay the start of the GP. The FIA Medical Car was sent out for a reconnaissance lap.
However, the massive amounts of standing water and the persistent rain have meant that, as things stand, the conditions are not suitable for an immediate start.
15:30 local time: FIA issues Bahrain GP in Malaysia race start update
The rain intensity has died down, and the FIA has sent out the sweepers on track to start clearing out the standing water.
At the time of reporting, the mandated 10-minute signal has been issued by the FIA. The formation lap will start at 15:40 local time.
Race Control wants the drivers to drive at least two laps behind the Safety Car before slotting onto their grid positions for a standing start.
That said, it is all subject to change after driver feedback once out on track.
Formation lap chaos suspends race start procedure
On the formation lap, multiple Ferrari-powered cars suffered issues, suspected to be on the power unit side.
Lewis Hamilton, who was slated to start from the first row of the grid, stopped on the back straight after an unresponsive throttle pedal, owing to a software issue.
The Cadillacs and Haas were also in trouble, with the FIA having now suspended the race start.
All the cars have filtered into the pit lane.
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