The qualifying session for the Japan formula one grand prix was postponed three times today and will now be held early tomorrow morning because of torrential rain and dangerous track conditions.

Organisers had hoped that the session would start at 8.30 a.m. (Malta) but were forced to put off the event to tomorrow because more heavy rain is forecast today, and it will soon start to get dark over the track.

Earlier today, the third practice session was a washout, with only two drivers doing a timed lap. That was bad news particularly for McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, who hardly did any testing yesterday because of a crash.

The weather is expected to be sunny tomorrow, which would be best for championship leaders Red Bull, whose cars are expected to dominate in the dry.

No time for the qualifying session has been given yet, although 3 a.m. (Malta) is likely. The race starts at 8 a.m. (Malta time).

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