F1: Korean GP weathers the storm

The Korean Grand Prix has been declared a wet race, throwing all tyre strategies open. The overnight rain soaked the track and the only support race to be run this morning was run entirely under the safety car after an accident on the first lap. '

On the way to the grid, Glock - like his team-mate in Japan - spun. But no damage for Glock.

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The pit lane, in the 15 minutes of running before forming up, is very busy as drivers assess the situation and swap tyres: some on intermediate, some on extreme wets. But intermediates are not coping with the mix of water and dust / oil. Those on intermediate are struggling. Massa, slow in the pit lane, had trouble keeping the car in a straight line.

The rain has negated the clean/dirty side of the track difference, aiding those on the left.

Ferrari's weather radar is showing more rain to start - perhaps about 10 minutes into the race. But with 15 minutes to go, it is already raining.

Changeable conditions look to favour Button who is starting from a lowly seventh.

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Race delayed 10 minutes due to conditions. Maybe start behind safety car?

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The race will start behind the safety car.

Advantage Red Bull.

Now teams have no active data as to fuel consumption and tyre wear. Rain is easing but still reasonably heavy.

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No formation lap: in effect a rolling start but with cars in a snake not a rolling grid.

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Rules say that all cars must start on full wets when the race starts behind a safety car. 30 seconds to go.

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Lots of spray. Whole track is covered with water. Seems drainage is not very effective on the flat sections. Cars sliding. Drivers recommending several laps under safety car to try to clear the track at least a little. Still raining heavily. Button says "it's like a lake on the straights." That negates McLaren's top speed advantage.

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After three laps: Red flag. Button says "It's so bad, I can't see the front tyres. I'm just waiting to hit something." Alonso says it's the worst conditions he has ever driven in.

Cars are formed up, back on the grid. Cars are under brollies. Not allowed in pits under red flag.

10 minute warning for restart. Previous laps and time count. So the race will now run for a further 52 laps and a little under two hours. But some confusion as to whether the clock is stopping.

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Now major worry is that darkness will intervene before the race concludes.

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McLaren'sWhitmarsh confirmed clock is running but not clear as from when - scheduled 3pm or delayed 3:15. But rules say 2 hours plus time race stopped. Still no definitve answer.

Now 3:42. No news as to restart. Trucks trying to clear water.

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3:55 race restart 4:05. Safety car more than one lap.

We'll be back.