Hamilton could start Aus GP dead last

UPDATE #2 Because the Toyotas of Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli were sent to the back of the grid when they were found to be running rear wings that were too flexible, Lewis Hamilton will now start the race from eighteenth position, rather than last. See related Hot News article.

Lewis Hamilton

03/28/09 This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' now. Under the current rules, gearboxes must last for four grands prix. Hamilton's did not and he will, therefore, start from the back of the grid at the Australian Grand Prix following a gearbox change. Although McLaren could have changed the gears and avoid a penalty, the team has decided to replace the gearbox altogether. "It was a gear failure and although we are allowed to change gears under the regulations, we will change the gearbox," said team boss Martin Whitmarsh.

03/28/09 (GMM) Norbert Haug on Saturday evening admitted "it is possible" world champion Lewis Hamilton will begin the defense of his 2008 world title from dead last.

Hamilton, the reigning champion, wrestled his uncompetitive McLaren through to the 'Q2' qualifying session at Albert Park.

But a gearbox problem meant he could not take part in the remainder of the session, leaving the Briton provisionally just fifteenth on the grid, one place behind his teammate Heikki Kovalainen.

And it could get even worse for Hamilton, with Mercedes' Haug admitting "it is possible" the gearbox will have to be replaced overnight.

According to F1's long-life rules, a five place grid penalty applies for an unscheduled gearbox change.

Team boss Martin Whitmarsh said the failure was "probably a broken dog ring but we'll have to investigate it to know for sure".