2014 australian grand prix articles archive

Mercedes are prepared to impose team orders during Sunday’s race if they find themselves in a position to do so, said motorsport director Toto Wolff.

The reliability problems which have dogged Lotus since the team made its belated start to testing remained on the first day of the new season.

Nico Rosberg says Mercedes still have work to do on their brake-by-wire system which they have been “struggling” with.

Mercedes took up their expected position at the top of the timing sheets in the second practice session with Lewis Hamilton setting fastest time.

Fernando Alonso ended the first practice session of 2014 quickest for Ferrari as several of his rivals failed to set times at all.

The teams will be anxious for as much dry running as possible in Melbourne but the weather will change during the race weekend and could bring rain.

Don’t miss any of the Australian Grand Prix sessions – here are the times for all of this weekend’s action.

Fernando Alonso has welcomed the changes to the qualifying rules which will see drivers allocated an extra set of the ‘option’ tyre compound after Q2.

F1 drivers expect Mercedes to be the team to beat in the first race of the season in Melbourne.

Mercedes believe the first race of the season will not see as many retirements as first expected.

Formula One draws a deep, collective breath and plunges into a season-opening weekend overflowing with unknowns and uncertainties.

Lotus say they aren’t sure how competitive their car is because they’ve done so little running – and would be satisfied just to finish the first race of the year.

Romain Grosjean says he is still getting to grips with the complex new systems involved in driving the new generation of F1 cars.

Lotus face a “tough start” to the 2014 season, team chairman Gerard Lopez admitted ahead of the first race of the year.

Ensuring cars run reliably will be more difficult at races than at tests because teams cannot work on them for as long, says Ferrari technical director Pat Fry.

Sebastian Vettel admits Red Bull are starting their championship defence on the back foot after problems during winter testing.

Lewis Hamilton is in confident mood ahead of the first race of 2014 and believes his Mercedes team are ready for the new season.