(CNN) -- Torrential rain in the Suzuka area saw final qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix abandoned on Saturday.
It will now take place ahead of Sunday's race, weather permitting, the first time this has happened in Formula One since the corresponding race at the same track in 2004 which was hit by a typhoon.
Lewis Hamilton's fading title challenge also received a further setback after he was given a five-place grid penalty for changing his gearbox in the third free practice session on Saturday, which was badly hit by the rain with the McLaren star only completing three laps.
Hamilton, who crashed heavily in practice on Friday, described conditions as "crazy" as he tried to make up for lost time.
"It was unbelievable, some of the worst conditions I've ever experienced in Formula One," Hamilton told the official Formula One website.
CNN
