In terms of whether any will fall during the track action (or before it, leaving us with a damp track) it seems unlikely for Friday, a higher chance on Saturday, but still not a big chance, and Sunday is very much hit and miss. There'll be a band of rain to the west of Melbourne, and that's currently forecast to stay out to the west until after the race, however, a slight speeding up of the rain (as we saw with Shanghai and Nurburgring last season) could end up with some rain falling during the race, even if it's just light rain in the last 10-15 laps. Pretty uncertain though as to what'll happen for the on track action. Potentially Sunday may be a case of watching the local radars.

Thanks; it reads like mix bag, which is always risky. It should either rain for all, or stay dry. Last thing I want repeat of Interlagos 2009, where in quali some guys got dry tarmac, others ended up in a paddle of water.

Sounds like it could change minute to minute and as such, only 'people on the ground' will know what's coming if you know what I mean.

LOL that let a driver assist the stewards was a brilliant plan from Jean Todt c.s.
Nice to see they are not limiting themselves to F1 greats only

I think they got lucky that TK's leg is slightly injured, so he wasn't able to test the Audi at Sebring. And if you want someone who knows how to judge a pass, you want guys like Tom.

Is there any interest to run pool prediction for Quali and the Race? This time I am gun-shy. I have simply no clue how to read the situation. What is obvious that while some guys will go forward, displaced drivers will move inadverently backwards. I also suspect there will be some disappointments on this BB, as in some instances expectations are just unrealistic IMO.

New arrivals?

Renault
Force India

RBR, Ferrari, McLaren - just jammed podium?

MGP - princess on the move Forward or will be pushed Back because of stagnating performance?

________

Prediction (under event free proceedings):

- Sebastian V. Race P2
- Michael Sch. Race P5

FP1 only half hour away, and I'm still awake! No work tomorrow, so let's tune in...

Weather anyone?

It should start in a few minutes, just great that I waited until now only to find out that the first practice won't be shown on the polish TV, and I have work tomorrow

Allright, I use the overoptimistic moment and predict:
Kubica P1
Button P2
Hamilton P3

Ok, according to 'rumours' i nthe paddock, was just on the Australian coverage.

Yesterday Michael Schumacher walked down to Ferrari's hospitality area dressed in all his Mercedes kit, sat down with a few of his old Ferrari buddies, now Fernando Alonso was sitting at the table accross from him, and he turned and saw this, shook his head, got up and walked off.

Alonso returned 5 to 10 mins later and Schumacher was still sitting there talking with some Ferrari boys, having a coffee and a chat, Fernando shook his head, and ordered a coffee aswell, and for a minute or a couple of minutes, they were stood next to eachother, did not look at eachother once, and did not speak a word to each other at all, Fernando got his coffee and off he went again.

Seems Fernando doesn't like the idea of Schumi sticking his nose (or chin) around Ferrari. Maybe he feels it is his team and he wants to build it up for him as Michael did, but it might also be clear that Fernando will never be at 'that' place in ferrari that Michael was at.

Its really interesting though, I would love to see 2006 version 2 at some point this season. Might help us McLaren boys too!

MS worked with those guys for several years and I don't think it should be expected that the personal ties and friendships developed over that period of time would disappear just because he changed teams.

Yes i agree with that, but obviously Mr. Fernando doesn't. Not that I care, I just though it was an interesting tidbit to get the Alonso and Schumi fans something to chew on.

Massa might have had some giggles over that, even if it's a small silly issue.

With Friday practice sessions under way, there is no now requirement for a preview thread.
Thanks to all who have contributed and please continue discussions here.