Monaco GP start procedure red-flagged by rain!

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The starting procedure for the Monaco GP has been interrupted by heavy rain belting down on the Principality, with teams and drivers now waiting for an all clear.

Light rain before the start encouraged everyone to bolt on intermediates, but as the drizzle intensified, race control suspended the starting procedure.

It was then decided that a formation lap would take place behind the Safety Car at 15:09 local time, but that was pushed back as the intensity of the rain increased once again.

Read also: Sainz and Perez receive new gearboxes for Monaco GP

Meanwhile, crews scrambled to bring extreme wets to the grid as changes were undertaken.

"Everyone take some deep breaths" said Lewis Hamilton to his Mercedes team on the radio.

"Race control was monitoring a severe downpour that was rapidly approaching the circuit, and as it arrived during the start procedure, the safety car start and its associated procedures were implemented," said the FIA, as it justified the delay.

"This was done for safety reasons in consideration that there has been no wet running this weekend."

Finally, the field powered off the grid behind the SC, only for the downpour to get worse and for race control to red flag the procedure.

Will it be a Spa all over again? Stay tuned…

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.