Australian F1 GP 2008 - Qualifying

Lewis Hamilton will start on pole position for the season opening Australian Grand Prix, while reigning champion Kimi Raikkonen will begin his title defence from a disastrous 16th on the grid after suffering from fuel pressure problems in the first part of qualifying. The Finn's Ferrari slowed dramatically after its first flying lap of the session, and although Raikkonen tried to keep it rolling as far as the team's garage, it came to a halt at the start of the pitlane entry. The Ferrari crew pushed the car back to their pit, but Raikkonen could take no further part in the session.

But the rest of qualifying was an exciting start to the season! A scene of better things to come from BMW, Toyota and the Red Bull/Torro Rossa family. Robert Kubica continues his strong form in only his second visit to Melbourne this year, managing to line up next to Lewis on the front row - although he could have possibly taken pole but for a mistake on his lap. Kimi was on his outlap when the BMW of Heidfeld was roaring up behind him and the Finn had to make way - quite a worrying sight seeing as 2008 looks like an even more competitive year. Sebastien Vettel, another young gun who joined F1 last year, looks in great shape making the top 10, despite his ex-ChampCar teammate Bourdais left far behind in 18th.

Obviously, for Kimi the day was short and bitter. Ferrari seemed to be relaxed heading into Q1 rather late, but I think this wasn't due to being confident but because of sensitivity - since Friday practise, they've fallen back against rivals McLaren. Of what seems to be a pure technical issue, Kimi's fuel pressure regulator caused him to almost stop on track, rolling down to the start of the pit-lane (Nurburgring 2007 anyone? At least it happened during qualifying.) . TO add fuel to fire, the billion people watchin back in India could witness the dismal performance of both Force India cars with Fisi on 17th and Sutil on 19th. Relax guys, khel toh abhi shuru hua hain(the games' just started)

Tomorrow, the Iceman will start 16th - similar to teammate Massa last year who suffered a gearbox problem in qualifying. This time however, Ferrari don't have a strong driver on pole position. It's going to be a long day tomorrow - but it should be interesting for Kimi as he'll have to work extra hard and study how his car will cope through what will be a very competitive race. Plus, Mark Webber had a bad day on his home grand prix with a car problem so Kimi has to watch out for that Red Bull in front of him tomorrow. Oh yes, and that guy Alonso doesn't seem to be having a good time either! The Ferrari needs to improve qualifying set ups as the speed is there, but the race pace is competitive. So, keep flying Kimi and heads up! It's only just getting started.