Persistent rain has forced the postponement of the qualifying session for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Heavy downpours ruined this morning's final practice and with conditions showing no signs of abating - and the light fading - the decision was taken to put back the session until Sunday morning.

The start time for Saturday's scheduled session had been delayed three times before race director Charlie Whiting abandoned attempts to get the action under way at 1520 local time (0720BST).

BBC1 plans to screen the qualifying session starting at 2am Sunday.