MARCH 28, 2009

Hamilton to start at the back because of gearbox trouble

Lewis Hamilton will start the Australian GP from the back of the field because the team was forced to change his gearbox because of a broken fourth gear in qualifying. This meant that he was unable to set the best time possible from his car.

"Something broke on the rear of my car on my second flying lap in Q2," said Lewis. "I lost all drive and couldn't continue."

This means that Lewis gets a five-place grid penalty and will start at the back, although it remains to be seen whether he is ahead or behind the two Toyotas.

"At least we got through to Q2," said Martin Whitmarsh.