The big news, ahead of today's all-important qualifying session, is that both WilliamsF1 drivers, Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg, have been forced to change their engines following problems in free practice. Although this means that both drivers lose ten grid spots, it is not entirely impossible, thanks to the fuel rules, we could still see at least one of them creep into the points. That said, this is a massive blow for the Grove team.

There are some that regard Ferrari's Imola victory as a 'flash in the pan', however the pace of the two red cars thus far this weekend clearly indicates that the Maranello outfit has made a massive leap forward.

Renault has also looked good during the free practice sessions, while McLaren, in particular, has appeared to struggle.

Jenson Button has effectively rubbished any talk of a Honda win this weekend, however, all eyes are on the Japanese outfit, which must be seen to be improving this weekend, a repeat of the Imola nightmare being unthinkable.

With five minutes to go before the session gets underway, the air temperature is 21 degrees C, while the track temperature is 38 degrees. It sunny.

The lights go green, the first knock-out session is underway, with Ralf Schumacher heading the queue at the end of the pitlane. The German is followed by the WilliamsF1 duo, Coulthard and Sato.

Ralf sets the benchmark, crossing the line at 1:32.674, with Takuma Sato going second with a 1:35.239.

As Kimi Raikkonen leaves the McLaren garage, Trulli goes second with a 1:34.269.

Christijan albers goes fastest in the first sector, eventually crossing the line at 1:33.658, which puts him second. However, moments later he is demoted by Liuzzi, who posts a 1:32.621 to go quickest.

Raikkonen is on a very fast lap, going quickest in the first sector. The Finn maintains the pace in the second sector, finally crossing the line at 1:31.263, to go quickest.

The Honda duo is on track, Rubens and Button trading best times in the various sectors. When the dust settles, Button is second, ahead of Barrichello, with Liuzzi fourth, ahead of Ralf, Albers and Speed.

As Montoya goes third (31.774), Michael Schumacher is on track, however, his first sector is nothing to write home about. Button improves, but remains second, as Michael posts 1:31.235 to go quickest.

Fernando Alonso takes the top spot from his German rival with a 1:31.138, as Heidfeld goes fifth.

With neither Heidfeld or Montagny having posted a time, the timing monitors indicate 'red flag', however, it's a false alarm. This doesn't help Villeneuve, who has yet to qualify.

This timing error has really screwed things up. Klien fails to improve, and therefore misses the 'cut', while Villeneuve, like Montagny, hasn't even posted a time. Furthermore, several other drivers, including David Coulthard, wasted a lap, and a fresh set of tyres.