The F2 feature race ahead of the Australian Grand Prix had to be cancelled due to the atrocious conditions over Melbourne’s Albert Park.

As the race was scheduled to start at 11.30 am local time, the track was deluged by a torrent of water, forcing a delay.

A ‘track clear’ message was flagged at 11.54 am, and a formation lap start was scheduled shortly after the hour as the rain eased slightly.

But as the field toured behind the safety car for several laps, the rain intensified, forcing race control to cancel the race with 15 minutes remaining of the allotted time for the event to take place.

At present, the F1 grand prix remains scheduled to start at 3.00 pm local time, although another heavy downpour is due an hour before.