A powerful typhoon has caused the postponement of Saturday's qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix [ Images ] on Sunday.

Formula One officials announced on Friday that qualifying was rescheduled for the morning of the race after torrential rain caused havoc during free practice at Suzuka.

Typhoon "Ma-on" is forecast to bring winds of up to 180kph to central Japan [ Images ] this weekend.

The threat of deteriorating conditions prompted race organisers to take the unprecedented step of postponing qualifying.

World champion Michael Schumacher [ Images ] was quickest in both sessions, though the German survived a spin and several drivers skidded off the rain-soaked track.

"Initially when we started it was tricky -- just on the limit," said Schumacher.

"At the end it was impossible to drive."