Qualifying delayed until Sunday morning as rain hits Melbourne - Gutiérrez and Maldonado drop out in Q1, whilst the rest of the grid waits
Published by Christine
Qualifying in Australia has been split into a two-day event, after rain delayed the second session to the point of no return. Heavy showers meant that Q1 was initially delayed, but eventually the session began with poor visibility, wet tyres all round, and plenty of spins.
Lewis Hamilton damaged the rear wing of his Mercedes, Felipe Massa hit the front wing of his Ferrari. Giedo van der Garde and Charles Pic both cost Caterham a front wing each, whilst Esteban Gutiérrez brought the session to an abrupt halt when he crashed his Sauber out on track. He and Maldonado were knocked out in Q1, along with the Marussia and Caterham drivers.
Q2 was delayed by ten minutes, then by twenty and then a further twenty, until eventually the stewards called it off. The rain was showing no signs of easing, and the evening was getting darker and darker. Q2 and Q3 will now take place at 11am Sunday, which is midnight here in the UK, with the race scheduled to go ahead 5am Australia time as normal.
