As for the anteater noses, well its as if the race regulators challenge each other, season after season, to create a regulation that will make the cars look utterly ridiculous. I can see them now, sitting in their living rooms snickering and scoffing as they watch the ugly beasts murmuring around the circuit. In all honesty though, despite sounding like old men, quietly grumbling about the youth of today and the price of parking, the cars are still incredibly fast. It takes a little concentration to convince your mind that the low growl doesn't correspond with the speed, but when that realisation dawns, its clear that the combination of reduced downforce, massive speed and finely balanced hybrid power distribution, will make the racing electrifying.The qualifying in Australia didn't throw up the kind of excitement we were all anticipating. It's fair to say we were expecting engine blowouts from the Renault powered teams and drivers spinning off left, right and centre. However, it was a shock to see the reigning World Champion failing to make it in to the top ten shootout. I have to admit, and many will agree whole-heartedly, that it was relatively satisfying to see Sebastian Vettel waving his hand in frustration, after completing his final fast lap, off the pace and out of the session.
The Mercedes team is looking strong in qualifying again and pretty much pick up where they left off. It's surprising really, seeing as Lewis Hamilton is now weighed down by more bling than Mr T. It was extremely refreshing to see youngsters like Kvyat and Magnussen showing the old hands how its done. The biggest success story of the qualies though, was Daniel Ricciardo's fantastic performance, which put his teammate to shame. It was unfortunate that he was unable to treat his home crowd to a pole position, but the front row is a highly acceptable qualifying spot. I hope this Aussie manages to take the handbrake off and put his foot down better than his predecessor.
The Grid:
