Bad weather disrupts Phillip Island practice

Strong winds and heavy rain forced organisers to delay the opening day of practice at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia this afternoon.

The spectacular coastal circuit located just over two hours from Melbourne was battered by a chilling fierce wind and torrential rain for the majority of the day.

Several sections of the circuit were flooded and numerous rivers formed across the track bringing dirt and sand onto the tarmac.

The 125 session, which was due to commence at 1240pm local time, finally got underway two hours later after frantic efforts by circuit staff to clear standing water.

British rider Bradley Smith set the fastest time with a lap of 1.54.547.