Australian GP
Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit
ended
1 month ago
Both drivers are in the garage getting suited and booted. All is calm ahead of Q1.
1 month ago
It's a beautiful day here in Melbourne: blue skies and sunshine all the way. We're about to find out where we stand in the pecking order.
1 month ago
Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of qualifying on the McLaren.com Pitwall. F1 2012 is go!
1 month ago
Join us again in two hours' time for live coverage of qualifying!
1 month ago
Melbourne P3 top 10: 1 HAM 2 GRO 3 WEB 4 BUT 5 ROS 6 SCH 7 VET 8 MAL 9 PER 10 RIC.
1 month ago
That's the session over. Lewis finished in P1 with a 1m25.681s, Jenson was fourth on 1m25.906s. Looks very finely balanced at the front!
1 month ago
Pit: "Lewis is pit lane entry now."
1 month ago
1 month ago
Jenson improves to a 1m25.906s - fourth quickest.
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "Yellow flags ahead - car in the gravel."
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "Possibly a tenth in first and last sectors - you are second-quickest."
1 month ago
Hamilton: "Where can I find time?"
1 month ago
Let's ride with Lewis:
1 month ago
Jenson's out too - again, on Option tyres.
1 month ago
Ten minutes remaining and Lewis heads out of the garage for what's likely to be his final run this session - he's on Option tyres.
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "There's a set of tyres on the way round."
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "We're just about ready to go."
1 month ago
Pit: "Jenson is pit lane entry now."
1 month ago
Lewis aborts that lap after setting two fast first sectors - there was traffic at the end of the lap.
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "There's a five-second gap behind - you can drop back from Ricciardo."
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "Kobayashi's now behind you - there's a 15-second gap behind him if you want to let him through."
1 month ago
Hamilton: "One more lap."
1 month ago
Lewis goes third fastest with a 1m26.391s.
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "Okay, make the gap to Petrov."
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "Gaps are still good - seven seconds ahead and 10 seconds behind."
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "We want to stay ahead of Ricciardo and make a gap to the cars in front."
1 month ago
Jenson's out now too.
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "Suggest we give ourselves some room."
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "We're slightly ahead of schedule."
1 month ago
Out goes Lewis, this time on the Option.
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "We'll look at going out in the next couple of minutes."
1 month ago
A brief lull before we go out for another run.
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "Good. I suggest we see how it is on the Option tyre."
1 month ago
Hamilton: "Car feels better than yesterday."
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "Understood, box this lap."
1 month ago
Hamilton: "Now I'm stuck in traffic."
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "Yes, Lewis, time for another lap."
1 month ago
Hamilton: "Time for another lap - or not?"
1 month ago
Both drivers set fast times on their second laps: 1m26.620s for Lewis, and a 1m26.801s for Jenson.
1 month ago
That's a 1m31.161s for Lewis. And a 1m27.802s for Jenson.
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "Make the gap to Kovalainen."
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "Seven-second gap behind to Hulkenberg."
1 month ago
Both drivers have just left the garage for their first runs of P3.
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "We're going out in just a couple of minutes once the mechanics have finished their checks."
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "We'll be going out again shortly."
1 month ago
Really great to read so many inspiring comments from all around the world!
1 month ago
Hamilton: "Track felt pretty good."
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "Radio check out of Turn 10."
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "Stop on your marks and turn the engine off."
1 month ago
Pit: "Jenson's in the pit lane now."
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "Loud and clear. And box this lap."
1 month ago
Lewis is out too.
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "Radio check Turn Two."
1 month ago
Jenson's just left the garage.
1 month ago
Both drivers are already in their cars, so we're set to go out for our install runs shortly.
1 month ago
And the session's now just gone live!
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "Okay Jenson, radio check."
1 month ago
Pit » HAM: "And Tom can we have Lewis's tyres into the garage, please?"
1 month ago
Pit » BUT: "Can we have the tyres through please James?"
1 month ago
Lewis has just walked into the garage. He's been in already this morning, keenly interested in the changes to his beautiful new car!
1 month ago
... so a normal day, really!
1 month ago
If you're joining us for the first time, the last 24 hours have been about rain, sun, Jenson, Lewis, Lenny Kravitz and hot-air balloons...
1 month ago
Pit: "Radio check on the garage channel."
1 month ago
We're warming up both cars now - the session starts in 15 minutes. Have you joined us at the PITWALL? www.mclaren.com/formula1
1 month ago
P3 will be an important session as all teams will be working hard to learn about set-up and balance after yesterday's wash-out.
1 month ago
We read all your comments on Twitter @TheFifthDriver - and we'll keep you posted on all developments on the PITWALL.
1 month ago
The sun is shining and we're back, ready for P3 of the Australian Grand Prix. Glad you could join us at www.mclaren.com's PITWALL!
1 month ago
Don't forget, we'll be back for P3 and qualifying on Saturday. If you're just getting up in Europe, enjoy your Friday and see you tomorrow!
2 months ago
That concludes our commentary of P1 and P2. Hope you enjoyed the day, despite the lack of running. Let's hope for sunshine on Saturday!
2 months ago
At the end of P2, it's BUT 1m33.039s (15th) and HAM 1m33.252s (16th). Top five is 1 SCH 2 HUL 3 PER 4 ALO 5 KOB.
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Confirm, box this lap."
2 months ago
Hamilton: "Box this lap."
2 months ago
So that's the end of P2 in Australia!
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Jenson, time for one more timed lap."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Track is clear up ahead."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Almost identical to Jenson."
2 months ago
Hamilton: "How's my pace?"
2 months ago
Jenson is 10th on a 1m33.971s.
2 months ago
And now a 1m33.713s. Eighth overall.
2 months ago
Lewis improves to a 1m33.930s.
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Only a small gap in front of Webber, but a 15-second gap behind."
2 months ago
2 months ago
The session's now extremely busy - at the moment, di Resta is fastest, Jenson seventh and Lewis ninth.
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Gap ahead is 10 seconds to Grosjean."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Car in front is Webber, he left the pits with you. Car behind is Glock."
2 months ago
Jenson's out now too.
2 months ago
Lewis is out - let's ride with him and his data:
2 months ago
It's going to be a very busy 15 minutes!!
2 months ago
For all those asking about Lewis's absence - his car's fine, he's strapped in and he's ready to go!
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Damp patch in Turn Five, so take it easy around there."
2 months ago
Both drivers are ensconced in their cockpits. Looks like we're getting ready for action!
2 months ago
Pit: "Okay Andy, ready when you are."
2 months ago
Looks like Mikey's wish is about to be fulfilled!
2 months ago
Jenson's physio @mikeycollier is frustrated by all this waiting. He loves a bit of action!
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "We're going to try and go out shortly - the track is improving and that should help with our preparations for tomorrow."
2 months ago
It's dry again... but for how long? Forecast suggests no rain predicted over the circuit - but let's wait and see!
2 months ago
Firing up Lewis's car.
2 months ago
2 months ago
And we're getting Lewis's car ready for a run now.
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Stop on your marks and launch."
2 months ago
Pit: "Jenson is pit lane entry now."
2 months ago
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "You're currently P1 by more than 1.5s."
2 months ago
... that's been quickly sliced down to a 1m37.989s!
2 months ago
Jenson's last lap was a 1m39.497s - he's currently fastest overall.
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Track position is good, and DRS is now enabled."
2 months ago
Jenson's busy today: he's out for the second time this afternoon.
2 months ago
2 months ago
Jenson's getting ready for another run out there.
2 months ago
Jenson's back in the box and debriefing with his engineers.
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Okay Jenson, box this lap."
2 months ago
Let's follow Jenson's live telemetry:
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "And drive straight out."
2 months ago
And out he goes.
2 months ago
Jenson's firing up.
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Good: can hear you loud and clear."
2 months ago
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Jenson, radio check."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "We're going to get ready to go out."
2 months ago
Very little running at the moment - a few cars out - and LOTS of standing water and huge amounts of spray!
2 months ago
No imminent sign of action in the garage. Jenson and Lewis both conferring with their engineers - at least the sun's out!
2 months ago
In all that excitement, we'd failed to notice the session's started!
2 months ago
Lenny Kravitz is in our garage, chatting to Lewis and Nicole.
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "More rain looks likely to hit us in the next five minutes."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "It's even wetter than this morning - and there's heavy rain forecast before the start of the session..."
2 months ago
Pit: "That's the end of the radio check in the garage."
2 months ago
Pit: "Loud and clear."
2 months ago
Pit: "Radio check on the garage channel."
2 months ago
Lots of people referencing the old Crowded House tune today: Four Seasons In One Day!
2 months ago
This wet weather means it's going to be hard to get a decent read on performance as the rain will disrupt everyone's programmes.
2 months ago
So, the mechanics are making some last-minute preparations to the cars ahead of P2.
2 months ago
Make no mistake, however, the track is still extremely wet, with lots of standing water. The session's certain to start wet...
2 months ago
The weather saga continues - having donned our shiny new BOSS raincoats, it's now hot and sunny! #morelikespathanmelbourne
2 months ago
Welcome back to our coverage of Friday practice at the 2012 Australian Grand Prix!
2 months ago
That concludes our LIVE session on the Pitwall. Don't forget, you can rejoin us at 1630 local time (0530 UK time) for P2!
2 months ago
Jenson's best lap was a 1m27.560s and Lewis's fastest was a 1m27.805s. Don't read too much into the positions, but a good place to start!
2 months ago
So that's the end of the first official timed session of the 2012 season! Top five: 1 BUT 2 HAM 3 SCH 4 ALO 5 WEB.
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Lewis you've taken the chequered flag now - that last lap was good."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Thanks for your comments. That's the end of the session, so let's hop you out."
2 months ago
Jenson has started a detailed debriefing with his engineers after that run.
2 months ago
Pit: "Jenson is pit lane entry now."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Middle sector is good."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Car behind is Ricciardo - one second back."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "And box this lap. Cars behind are all on timed laps."
2 months ago
P1 update: we're currently first (BUT 1m27.642s) and third (HAM 1m28.290s).
2 months ago
Lewis heads out again for the final few minutes of P1.
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "You are currently P1 - car behind is Ricciardo."
2 months ago
Lewis is now debriefing with his race engineer Andy Latham after that run.
2 months ago
Lewis is now debriefing with his race engineer Andy Latham after that run.
2 months ago
Pit: "Lewis is in the pit lane now - stopping on his mark."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Yellow flags at Turn Nine and 10. No KERS and no DRS."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Gap behind is good - 15 seconds. You're second-fastest. Time to find in third sector."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Box this lap - front-wing adjust."
2 months ago
Let's follow JB on track:
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Cars in front are Pic and di Resta - use the gap behind."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "A lot of cars around, suggest you drop back and use the gap."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Alonso just past the pits - 20 seconds behind."
2 months ago
And out goes Jenson.
2 months ago
Pit: "Be aware, Jenson's also leaving the garage."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Confirm box this lap."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Yes, what do you want?"
2 months ago
Hamilton: "Can I make some changes to the front wing?"
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "There are still some useful gaps that we can get you into."
2 months ago
Let's have a peek at Lewis's live telemetry while he's out on track:
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Just be careful of Senna. 15-second gap behind Hulkenberg - we wish to use that."
2 months ago
Out goes Lewis.
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Lewis will be going out a little earlier than us."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "We'll target a longer run - and we'll use it to learn about the track."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Can you bring tyres round shortly?"
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "We're getting ready to run, and you'll be able to get a run in before the chequered flag."
2 months ago
We're warming up the cars. Expect the session to be much busier in the last 20 minutes.
2 months ago
Look like we're getting ready to run! Thanks for your patience...
2 months ago
Busy night for our hard-working mechanics last night - they were working in the garage until 3am. Send them your messages of support!!
2 months ago
Don't forget, send us your #socialfriday questions @thefifthdriver and we'll answer them on the Pitwall...
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "There's no more rain forecast for the rest of the session."
2 months ago
With half an hour of P1 completed, the top five is 1 ALO 2 WEB 3 ROS 4 RIC 5 VER. Our boys have yet to set a time.
2 months ago
A distinct dry line has appeared on the track and cars are out on slicks.
2 months ago
Thanks for all your messages of support! Never grow tired of hearing from people all over the world - so inspiring!
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "We're not looking at going out immediately, so you can jump out now if you'd like."
2 months ago
Hamilton: "It's quite greasy in some places, but it's drying up out there."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Everything okay with the car?"
2 months ago
Whether you're watching on TV or you're sitting in Albert Park, send us a message via Twitter @thefifthdriver - we want to hear from you!
2 months ago
Whether you're watching on TV or you're sitting in Albert Park, send us a message via Twitter @thefifthdriver - we want to hear from you!
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "If conditions are about right, we should get out there."
2 months ago
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Radio check Turn 10."
2 months ago
And Lewis is out now too for his install lap.
2 months ago
Pit: "Jenson is box this lap, he'll be stopping on the mark and turning his engine off."
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Standard install lap and I'll radio-check you on your way round."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Radio check please Jenson."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Jenson will be stopping on his marks."
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Straight out please Jenson."
2 months ago
Firing up Jenson's car - out he goes on Intermediate Pirellis.
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Just getting ready to do the install, can you hear me loud and clear?"
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Normal install with radio check, please Jenson."
2 months ago
Lewis is just getting himself settled in the car too.
2 months ago
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Radio check please Jenson."
2 months ago
So, we're minutes away from the official start of the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship!
2 months ago
If you're watching the TV pictures, you can see that the track is still extremely wet. And it's still raining lightly.
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "We'll have Jenson's tyres to the car, please James."
2 months ago
Both drivers are in the garage now, actually.
2 months ago
Pit » BUT: "We'd like to get out and install fairly early on."
2 months ago
Both are in fabulous spirits - Jenson arrived via Japan. And Lewis spent a few days relaxing in Sydney.
2 months ago
Lots of you interacting via Twitter to ask about our drivers, Jenson and Lewis.
2 months ago
Weather forecast suggests it's unlikely to dry up during the P1 session. Wonder how that will affect general running?
2 months ago
Pit » HAM: "We'll get our install done as soon as we can - and look to get a run when we can."
2 months ago
So, the session starts in 10 minutes. As usual, the track here is pretty green, it's damp and rainy right now, so don't expect much action.
2 months ago
For the newbies, the PITWALL brings you LIVE data, radio conversations and commentary from the VMM garage. You can't get closer than here!
2 months ago
Pit: "Receiving you loud and clear."
2 months ago
Pit: "Radio check on the garage channel."
2 months ago
As always, we'll be answering your #socialfriday Twitter questions. Send them @thefifthdriver
2 months ago
We're coming to you straight from the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes pit garage. Remember, we'll be interacting with you through every session.
2 months ago
So, it's been a pretty damp and cold weekend so far. A rain shower this morning has left the track a little damp - but it's now drying.
2 months ago
We're really excited that you're joining us - it's going to be a great season. You can follow along with us every step of the way!
2 months ago
South Africa '72 - 40 years ago today
Hard to believe that it was 40 years ago today: as a 19-year-old aspiring F1 journalist, fresh out of Sydney, Australia, Peter Windsor didn’t know what to expect when his plane landed in Johannesburg in March 1972 for the South African Grand Prix.
Download our new, free dynamic screensaver!
Get the latest news, tweets and pictures from Vodafone McLaren Mercedes sent straight to your computer – it's your very own Mission Control!
