First practice ahead of Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone in Northamptonshire was hit by heavy rain on Thursday.

After one rainband worked its way northwards across the UK, another area of rain was beginning to work its way across southern England on Saturday.

The UK Met Office have issued more than 60 flood warnings with one ‘Red Alert’  - the highest level – in force for Southwest England.

Up to 30,000 race-goers were being advised not to attend on Saturday after public car parks became waterlogged.

There are also fears about the race itself. There are concerns that the track could be too dangerous on race day. Jenson Button said after practice, “You wouldn’t want to be racing in those conditions.”

Weather conditions are expected to improve on Sunday but by then the track may be in a very poor state.