Ahead of today's qualifying session the air temperature is 30 degrees C, while the track temperature is 51 degrees. It remains bright, sunny and hot.

Russell was quickest this morning, ahead of Piastri, Leclerc and Norris, the four covered by just 0.246s.

However, no matter what happens this afternoon, tomorrow's race is going to be a different kettle of fish. Tyre deg, which will also play its part over the next hour - the drivers restricted to just one flyer for each set of softs - means we are likely to see at least two stops during the race.

While tyre deg will affect qualifying, traffic is also going to be a problem so we really could see some surprises... and if we don't there's always tomorrow.

Russell really needs a result his weekend, and thus far he looks to be on target, but, other than his super-talented teammate, McLaren also looks to be a serious threat here.

Over the break, Leclerc has been given a warning for impeding Hulkenberg in FP3, while Antonelli was given a reprimand for driving erratically, the Mercedes driver appearing to teach Stroll a lesson for impeding him.

Green light and Bottas leads the way followed by Ocon, Bearman, Sainz and Albon. Bottas, of course, was the cause of a red flag earlier due to a brake issue.

Bottas posts a benchmark 19.105, but Ocon responds with an 18.171, then Sainz an 18.107. Sainz and Bottas are on softs while the Haas driver is on mediums.

Bearman (medium) goes third, ahead of Albon, Bottas and Stroll.

Verstappen is the first of the big guns to head out, followed by Leclerc.

The Williams pair remain out for a second attempt, though this seems futile.

Verstappen goes top with a 16.352, ahead of Hulkenberg (16.954) and Gasly.

As Leclerc posts a 15.964, Hamilton claims he is down on power.

Antonelli goes second with a 15.977 but is demoted when Russell stops the clock at 15.717. However, Hamilton, despite that that lack of power, posts a 15.625.

Lindblad goes sixth, ahead of Hadjar and Bortoleto.

A 16.287 puts Norris fifth, but Piastri responds with a 16.138.

Bottas improves to nineteenth (18.237), as Sainz runs wide in Turn 1. Albon and Stroll also have minor offs.

Ahead of the final assault, Perez, Ocon, Bottas, Albon, Alonso and Stroll comprise the drop zone, with Sainz, Bearman, Colapinto and Gasly hovering.

The big guns remain in their garages, not so much confident but rather wishing to save their tyres. Which couple prove a costly gamble.

Gasly goes tenth, but is demoted by his teammate.

Albon goes fifteenth, Hulkenberg fifth, Ocon fifteenth and Beaman eleventh.

Sainz goes sixteenth, while Alonso fails to improve on twenty-second.

Quickest is Hamilton, ahead of Russell, Leclerc, Antonelli, Hulkenberg, Piastri, Norris, Verstappen, Lindblad and Hadjar.

We lose Ocon, Albon, Perez, Bottas, Stroll and Alonso, the first time that the Canadian has out-qualified his teammate in ages.

"We're struggling here," admits James Vowels. "We weren't expecting miracles."

Q2 gets the green light but there is no rush to action.

Eventually it is Gasly that breaks the deadlock, followed by Colapinto, Hulkenberg, Sainz and Verstappen, each seeking to build a decent gap to the driver ahead.

Gasly posts a 17.626 but Hulkenberg responds with a 16.922 and Verstappen a 15.484.

Hadjar goes second with a 15.754 but is demoted when Leclerc posts a 15.281 and Antonelli a 15.295.

A 15.228 puts Russell top, 0.053s up on Leclerc.

Hamilton goes fourth, while Norris can only manage eighth and Piastri tenth. What has happened to McLaren?

Hulkenberg has his time deleted which means he has yet to post a time.

Ahead of the final assault neither McLaren driver is safe and will probably have to run again, which means using another set of those precious tyres.

Piastri is first out, followed by Norris, both on fresh rubber. They are followed by Sainz.

The RB pair also head out, as do the Alpines, Bearman and Audis.

Piastri improves to sixth while Norris goes fourth.

Sainz remains fifteenth, as Lawson goes eighth and Hulkenberg tenth.

Bortoleto goes twelfth, it isn't enough, nor is it enough for the Alpine pair.

Quickest is Russell, ahead of Leclerc, Antonelli, Norris, Hamilton, Verstappen, Piastri, Lawson, Hadjar and Hulkenberg.