All of this afternoon's practice sessions were cancelled at Misano in Italy as a torrential downpour flooded the track. A huge thunderstorm broke just after midday and the deluge of water that fell in a short time made the Misano track look more like an aqua park rather than a Grand Prix circuit fit for the top two-wheeled machines in the world.

After the paddock was welcomed back to the venue by temperatures in excess of 35 degrees yesterday, it looked like the heat was going to be the chief weather worry for the weekend. However storms overnight gave way to showers this morning before even more torrential rain set in around midday, accompanied by dramatic displays of thunder and lightening. The rain eventually abated around 2pm but left the paddock, pit lane, some parts of the track and most pit boxes flooded, forcing race direction to cancel all remaining sessions today.

MotoGP officials tried to clear the track of water that was over a metre deep in places, but even Moses would have had problems parting the gushing torrent as it flowed down onto the racing surface from the surrounding hillsides.

A new schedule will now be arranged to allow all riders to get some much needed practice on the new Misano circuit in time for Sunday's 28-lap race.