MIAMI, May 2 (Reuters) - ⁠Sunday's Miami Grand Prix will be brought ⁠forward by three hours to 1 p.m. (1700 ‌GMT) in an attempt to avoid threatened thunderstorms in the area, Formula One said.

The decision was taken after discussions ​with local organisers and the ⁠governing FIA after qualifying ⁠on Saturday evening.

"This decision has been taken to ⁠ensure ‌the least amount of disruption to the race, and to ensure the maximum ⁠possible window to complete the grand prix ​in the ‌best conditions and to prioritise the safety ⁠of drivers, ​fans, teams and staff," they said in a statement.

A Porsche race and some other supporting activities ⁠have been cancelled as a result.

The ​race at the Hard Rock Stadium is the fourth round of the season. Mercedes driver Kimi ⁠Antonelli, the championship leader, starts on pole position.

Drivers have yet to face wet conditions in the new engine era that started in Australia in ​March, with the new cars ⁠already proving to be a challenge in the ​dry.

Lightning is a particular concern ‌for organisers, who issued ​race suspension and shelter-in-place procedures for teams.

(Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by William Mallard)