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Live Event Coverage

Australia 2009 - Free Practice 1 - The first session of a brand new season of Formula One

Published by Christine

Hurrah! Formula 1 is back and we could not be more excited. It's hard to know what to expect from Free Practice this year, because the engines need to be looked after thanks to the "8 per season" regulation. However, there is no in-season testing either, so development has to happen somewhere.

Weather update

Early reports suggest that it's hazy, and a little bit gray today, but no rain as yet. The humidity is up to 65%. With the racing starting a little bit later in Australia, it's more likely that Free Practice 2 will have conditions that will be similar to Sunday.

One to watch

McLaren are the team to watch this morning, as rumour has it they sneaked through scrutineering with a rear diffuser uncannily similar to that which has been protested recently. There always had to be a fine reason why they decided not to join in the complaints, could it be that they were too busy making up their own parts at the time?

Predictions please

As ever, we'd like your predictions. We're not talking about the race, or even qualifying just yet. What we want to know is if anyone is going to lose their front wing within moments of going out? Will anyone spin off in a highly embarrassing fashion? Who will break cover and be the first 2009 machinery out of the pit lane? And of course, who will top the session?




Hurrah! Formula 1 is back and we could not be more excited. It's hard to know what to expect from Free Practice this year, because the engines need to be looked after thanks to the

Event start

02:00GMT +00:00

27 March 2009