SEPANG (REUTERS) - Qualifying for the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix was delayed by 30 minutes on Saturday after steady rain descended on the Sepang Circuit and left pools of water on the track.

Qualifying for the second race of the 2014 season had been due to start at 4pm with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) twice pushing the start back by 15 minutes.

Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were expected to battle for pole position, having proved the quickest in the three practice sessions on Friday and Saturday.

Further showers were forecast for later in the afternoon at the circuit, which is around 50km south of Kuala Lumpur.