Heavy rain causes red flag in Malaysian GP

The rain was expected and did arrive just prior to the start of the FIA Formula One grand prix on the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. Before the first lap was completed, the light rain turned into one of the typical washouts in the area; but not yet a monsoon.

However the Formula One drivers were slipping and sliding as they did their best to hang onto to their racing machines. One of the first to pivot around was the "rain master" Michael Schumacher in his Mercedes.

Even the two time defending champion Sebastian Vettel on his hard Pirelli's had a moment.

Nico Hulkenberg, Sahara Force India Formula One Team

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Pole winner Lewis Hamilton did not have to deal with the spray in front of him and was able to remain in the lead when the red flag stopped the action on the ninth lap. His teammate Jenson Button sits second with eight laps officially scored. There were two laps behind the Safety car before the race was stopped.

The 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix was stopped due to the weather but due to the late hour and the pending darkness, the race was not restarted and Button was declared the winner. Due to the shorten length of the race, the points were adjusted by 50%.

Update
Wet weather tyres are being placed on the Formula One cars that remained in today's race as they prepare for a restart which will, of course, be a rolling start with the Safety car leading the field prior to the green flag. One driver out of action is Lotus team's Romain Grosjean. The Frenchman is having a rough start to the new season.

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren leads at the start of the race

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