Weather forecasters predict more heavy rains hit the Sochi F1 circuit on Saturday during the qualification session. Sunday comparatively low chance of rain. But on Saturday forecast 80% chance of heavy rain in the throughout the daytime.

F3 race already conducted on Friday evening 5;25 pm, which was originally scheduled on 8:35 am Saturday morning. F1 has not encountered a Saturday qualifying disaster since the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix, when heavy rain hits Suzuka and reschedule qualifying for Sunday morning ahead of the race.

Alexei Titov, the director general of Sochi race organization, told TASS early on September 24 that organizers had taken every measure to combat the consequences of possible rains during the racing sessions.

“Most importantly, we upgraded our drainage systems,” Titov told TASS. “The heavy rain on Tuesday pointed out some weak spots and we have taken care of them.”

“We are ready [to host the race] even if there is a danger of flooding because all the water will be drained away,” he said. “However, we will be following all the evolving circumstances and the final decision regarding the racing sessions would be up to the International Automobile Federation [FIA].”

A few F1 drivers talk about the risk of rain suspending proceedings on Thursday in Russia.

F1 title leader Max Verstappen thought that rain could “spring a few surprises”, quoting George Russell’s performance in the wet in Belgium Grand Prix as a good example of the shake-up wet weather could bring.

The visibility will be bad – Alonso

“It’s a very flat track, there are no elevation changes here, so the water stands quite a lot on track,” Alonso said.

“I remember Turn 1 being quite difficult, which is not a corner normally, but it was a real corner in the wet.

“For Sunday, fingers crossed it’s not that wet or not raining too much, because the visibility will be bad, and we don’t want to see anything like Spa, for sure.”

An unpredictable race – Leclerc

“If it is the case, then it might be quite an unpredictable race,” said Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who is set to serve a grid penalty after taking a fresh power unit for Russia.

“Hopefully it will play in our favour. If it’s dry, I think if we have the pace, it’s still a track where we can overtake.”