Following heavy overnight rain, the track was damp for the start of this morning's GP2 Sprint Race. Thankfully only a few further spots fell during the race, but shortly after it ended there was a further downpour, with the threat of further rain this afternoon.

This, of course, will be good news for McLaren, which has seen two if its drivers given grid penalties; Lewis Hamilton dropping ten places for his Montreal madness and Heikki Kovalainen dropping five for impeding Mark Webber during qualifying.

It's an all Ferrari front row, and few would bet against a Maranello clean-sweep this afternoon. However, as we know from experience, should the heavens open up this afternoon, the form book goes out of the window.

Ron Dennis insists that this weekend is not about damage limitation, but that was before Kovalainen's penalty. However, the Woking wordsmith is one man who would probably allow himself a wry grin should the rain fall over the next couple of hours.

BMW too might be happy for any help the gods might provide, the Munich outfit looking a mere shadow of the outfit that conquered Montreal just two weeks ago.

Whatever the weather, we're sure we can expect strong performances from Renault, particularly Alonso, Red Bull and Toyota, mourning the loss of former team boss Ove Andersson. And while Honda looks all at sea, keep an eye on the Toro Rossos, particularly Vettel, who was good in all the practice sessions.

The drivers have said that there is little to choose between the two tyre options (medium and soft) though the harder option (medium) appears to be better over a number of laps. That said, should the heavens let rip, all the strategic stuff previously planned becomes virtually redundant.

Other than the weather, let's not forget that over the years we have seen plenty of mishaps on the first lap, and we would not be surprised to see a few drivers fall victim to Turn 3 on the first lap.

As the cars begin making their way to the grid, the big story is that following a gearbox change, Rubens Barrichello will start from the very back of the grid.

As the field prepares to head off on the parade lap, the air temperature is 24 degrees C, while the track temperature is 29 degrees. It's unseasonably cool, overcast, the air is damp and officials are predicting heavy rain within the next hour. Indeed, they are predicting thunderstorms.

They head off on the parade lap. Most drivers are starting on the harder tyre, Hamilton being the main exception. Officials now warning of the possibility of rain within the next thirty minutes.

The Ferraris get away well as does Trulli, however, a poor start from Alonso. Good start also from Kubica.

They get through Turn 3 nice and cleanly, Hamilton subsequently passing Vettel at Turn 7 but appearing to cut the chicane.

At the end of lap one, it's: Raikkonen, Massa, Trulli, Alonso, Kubica, Glock, Webber, Piquet, Kovalainen and Hamilton.