Manx Grand Prix: Friday's opening Lightweight race and qualifying session cancelled due to deteriorating weather on Isle of Man

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The schedule was already in doubt due to the threat of rain, with the organisers only confirming at noon it would go ahead as planned.

However, Classic Superbike qualifying was red-flagged on the opening lap, with rain beginning to fall around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.

Riders were brought back to the grandstand and Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson announced his decision to cancel the remainder of the day’s schedule.

A statement said: “Due to deteriorating weather conditions and in order to minimise disruption to the public the Clerk of the Course has made the decision to cancel the remainder of the day’s qualifying session.”

The Lightweight race was due to take place at 14:40 BST over three laps.

Northern Ireland’s Michael Dunlop set the pace in qualifying on his 250cc Honda at 116.535mph by just 0.195s from Ian Lougher on the LayLaw Racing Yamaha TZ250.

A revised schedule for Saturday features three races, with the Carole Nash Senior Classic race at 12:45 BST followed by the MGP Supporters’ Club Junior (14:45 BST) and Sure Lightweight (18:00 BST) races.

Roads are due to close at 11:30 BST and will reopen no later than 21:00 BST.

An untimed warm-up lap and Sidecar test is also planned on Saturday along with the ‘Made at the Manx’ Centenary Parade Lap (16:45 BST).