Auto Racing

Nigel Mansell and seven other drivers braved heavy rain and a treacherous track before organizers called off the second qualifying round for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, Japan, giving the Briton the pole position.

Most drivers stayed off the track during the second qualifier, apparently believing that they couldn’t improve their Friday times and wanting to avoid an accident. The qualifier was halted after 45 minutes.

Mansell, who has already won this season’s driver’s title, took the 30th pole position in his Formula One career, which he is ending after this season to try the Indy-car circuit. Williams-Renault teammate Riccardo Patrese of Italy will start second.