Thunderstorms, lightning and incessant rain over Circuit of the Americas on Friday was deemed heavy enough to force officials to abandon the FP2 session altogether.
"Marshals unable to work due to the proximity of lightning" was the message relayed from officials at race control just prior to the scheduled start of the 90-minute session at 2pm local time, but conditions never improved enough for the mandatory medical helicopter to fly.
As a result of the pelting rain Formula 1 teams end day one of the United States Grand Prix with no dry running.
Earlier, the morning session was staged on a damp track with the drivers using Pirelli’s intermediate tyres. Nico Rosberg ended the session fastest in his Mercedes. But valuable track time was lost and most of the running rendered meaningless.
The forecast for Saturday, when qualifying for Sunday's potentially title-deciding race is scheduled, was no better with heavy rainfall likely in the Austin area.
"If it's like this we can't run today. I hope tomorrow's better but the forecast doesn't look any good," said Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel. "It's a shame for the people in the grandstands."
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