Australian F1 Grand Prix 2013: Extreme downpour delays Q2 & Q3 for Sunday

What starts badly usually ends up worse, a quote says. It was the case of today's previously scheduled qualifying session at Albert Park, Melbourne. However, the showers that hit the Australian city totally ruined the plans.

The round programmed, to commence at 17:00 PM (local time), started with a delay of 10 minutes, followed by a new one, after the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Medical Car performed a full inspection of the circuit with stewards onboard. Finally, when Q1 eventually kicked off at 17:30, most of the drivers ventured onto the soaking wet track.

Lewis Hamilton from MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS was the first to enter the circuit after the green light went on, closely followed by team mate Nico Rosberg. McLaren-Mercedes has also sent its complete lineup for some action: Jenson Button and Sergio 'Checo' Perez have constantly improved their lap times towards the end of the 20-minute run. At the end of Q1, Nico topped the time sheets with 1m43.380s.

After the first part of the qualifyings, the rain somehow intensified even though there were some signs the sun would prevail from behind the clouds and warm the tarmac. That never happened and, after further postponements till 19:00 PM (local time), the decision from FIA stewards, led by Charlie Whiting, came as daylight dimmed and was threatening to put some serious visibility issues to F1 racers.

As a consequence, the next two parts of the qualifying session, Q2 and Q3, of the 2013 Australian GP will be held Sunday morning, at 11:00 AM (local time) / 01:00 AM (CET). So, while waiting for tomorrow's extended action at Melbourne, we present you the latest pictures from Friday when the sun was fully bathing the track. Enjoy! :)

~ Official photos courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS ~

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