A powerful typhoon has caused the postponement of Saturday's qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix 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 this weekend.

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

World champion Michael Schumacher 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."