Melbourne wakes to rain

15/03/2013

Mat Coch writes:

The Formula One world awoke to cold grey skies on Saturday morning. Weather forecasters had predicted a chance of rain ahead of qualifying and for once it seemed they are correct.

The Saturday forecasts show clouds for much of the morning, and while the sun may poke through during the early evening there is a suggestion that a further brief rain shower is expected to fall around 4 pm. Qualifying begins at 5 pm.

After a tough opening day of practice local favourite Daniel Ricciardo welcomes the prospect of a damp qualifying hour. "So there's a chance of rain today," he tweeted. "Could make qualifying interesting. I ain't complaining."

Ricciardo struggled for balance on Friday, a problem not shared by teammate Jean-Eric Vergne who was happy enough with the balance of his Toro Rosso, but believed he wasn't fast enough.

Ricciardo's concerns would therefore appear to be set-up related, giving the Australian hope that improvement can be found ahead of qualifying. It also explains why he wouldn't be too upset if the rain does fall.