AUSTIN (AFP) - Continuing heavy rain on Saturday (Oct 24) caused the postponement of final free practice and may result in the postponement of qualifying for this weekend's United States Grand Prix.

In a statement on Twitter, the Circuit of the Americas said it had decided not to open until 12 Noon local time (1700 GMT).

It said: "For the safety of our fans and employees, today's opening has been delayed until noon. Further updates will be forthcoming."

Friday's action at the circuit was hit by heavy storms with lightning that endangered track staff resulting in a damp and desultory opening free practice and the cancellation of the second.

Third practice was scheduled to start at 1000 local time and qualifying at 1300.

The US Grand Prix weekend is being disrupted by Hurricane Patricia - if qualifying cannot be held Saturday organisers are expected to move it to Sunday morning, when conditions are due to improve.