Yes - given Renault's previous stance on this and subsequent issues, I think this will be very contentious...

I think they will be fine. It is in no ones interests to have an engine manufacturer disadvantaged. It's not as if there are loads knocking at the door to supply to F1.

Well, it's not the first time Renault has asked for leeway on modifying their engines. They were granted dispensation during the V8 engine freeze to increase performance, as they took the development freeze too literally, compared to Mercedes and Ferrari.

No doubt, the extension request will be centred on reliability and I'm sure that Ferrari and Mercedes won't have an issue with it. It's in the sports best interests to have three competative powertrains.

The pace from Red Bull today was pretty impressive, when you consider that they're more than a whole test behind in terms of understanding their car and they've had to butcher holes into their bodywork just to get any running at all.

Seeing the Red Bull on track, it's amazing to see how much rake they're still able to run with compared to everyone else. In recent seasons, they've been able to run with huge amounts of rake due to their greater understanding of exhaust blown diffusers. So it's very puzzling to see that they can still run with more rake than anyone else, despite EBDs being effectively outlawed.

Mclaren, Mercedes and Force India have all had gearbox issues in recent testing, with Williams being the only Merc users not to suffer any such problems. The Williams is reported to be a bit handy, speed wise - what chance a win in Melbourne?

I wonder if it's significant that the Mercedes runners have had more problems later in the testing programme. Rosberg's engine is being replaced as a precaution this morning due to wear on certain components. The power unit has done over 2000km, so a significant proportion of its expected 4-race lifespan.

Possibly, as the the teams will be keen to see just how long each component of the powertrain survives. Especially as they only have five sets of them to last the season. They will also be turning the wick right up in the search for performance in this last test.

It also seems as though Renault didn't ask for a homologation deadline extension in the end.

Looks like yesterday was a false dawn for Red Bull. Vettel hasn't completed a lap yet, with over half of the day gone.

Williams looking very good - Red Bull looking in big trouble.

Dreadful day for Red Bull. Hard to see how they will complete the race in Melbourne, never mind be at all competitive.

Williams are looking strong, as we're Force India earlier in the week. McLaren seem ok, but lacking ultimate pace. Although of course we might not have seen them try a full-on qualifying simulation yet.

Are Williams still using their flywheel-based ERS-K or are they now running a conventional setup?

Think I may be seeing some happy Williams team drivers this year, Red Bull must be scratching their heads as Caterham rack up some serious laps with the same lump. Maybe they are just pushing it too far too hard. If they trying to make up a power deficit as some are suggesting they are likely to take a few races to catch up, if they can that is.

Please let a lower team be sand bagging and redbull be genuinely shit! It'll make for a great season opening! Be Braun all over again!

Nobody will be sandbagging in testing There is just simply too much to do and things to test to distruction to waste time sandbagging. The Red Bull will be quick, as long as it can hold together. The problem is though, development will be spent on reliability where other teams will be making their cars faster. Lotus are also in deep trouble too. They've endured a worse time than even Red Bull.

Williams have never actually used their flywheel KERS in F1. They have always used batteries instead. Their flywheel system has instead been used by Audi in their R18 e-tron Le-Mans cars and by Porsche in their 911 GT3RS race cars.

The reason Caterham are generally able to rack up laps with their Renault powertrain is because their packaging is very conservative compared to the Lotus and especially the Red Bull. It is dog slow though.

A bad day for Mclaren so far today. Very little running done and Mercedes also had an gearbox issue this morning. The Mclaren is lacking downforce, but is still running in it's launch spec with little to no upgrades at all seen on the car, which is surprising for them. Vettel has been battling issues all day, but at least is getting some laps done.

Williams are looking to be in very good shape in terms of pace and reliability. They have really come to the fore in this last test, which is great to see. They have recruited a lot of good people in the last year, the switch to Mercedes power was inspired and the demise of the coanda exhausts will also really benefit them. I can't wait to see the car in it's Martini livery. Force India are looking quite good too.

Finally, big kudos to Marussia. The car looks to be a neat thing and has some decent pace.

I'm increasingly concerned and disappointed that McLaren seem to be going backwards quickly after a promising start. Nonetheless, I hope they will pick up some pace - Button said that they probably wouldn't bring any or all their upgrades to this test, which is disappointing but therefore not surprising.
Still excellent to see Williams and a couple of the other less fashionable teams doing so well.

Didn't know the flywheel KERS never made it into F1, must have taken my eye off the technology ball!

Would never have expected to see that comment in the 90s!

Joe Saward is reporting that Mark Webber will make a series of films about F1 for the BBC this year. The BBC hasn't mentioned it yet on its F1 page...

Indeed, but as fashions come and go, I hope it is Williams' turn once again.

Me too. I love Williams' independent spirit and it's been agonising watching them struggle against the might of the manufacturer-backed teams for the past decade.

Williams Martini Racing is confirmed. Nice, subtle but distinctive livery. Sadly unlike the repulsive drink, but you can't have everything!

Martini livery is without doubt one of the coolest. Hell, I even tried to drink some once to look cool.

You have to love Martini if only for their ongoing support of motorsport.

Just for old times sake -

That delta and the F1 car look cool as f00k!

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/mordor-grand-prix-announced-2014030684354

Coincidentally there's a Martini racing exhibition going on at the Haag right now I've just seen in the KLM in-flight mag. The Grale of course features in the ad.

I know there aren't many Lewis fans on here (for some reason :s) but I like him and he is a true race enthusiast. he just loves the racing and I thought his last post on facebook was revealing

I'd like to see him do well this season

Am a Lewis fan also and hope he does well this season. I suspect we will see lots of smoke, fire extinguishers and yellow flags but hopefully not for a Mercedes car. Really looking forward to seeing how RBR cope with the troubles and maybe Williams in the top 6.

I'm no fan of Hamilton but I agree with his comments regarding overtaking and different race winners.

Hopefully with the huge changes we'll see all of the above.

Would like to see Nico whip him

For anyone who hasn't seen it, this is a bit of fun. I did it last season and it's surprising how accurate you can be one race and how hopeless the next. Will be harder this year without having Vettel as a shoo-in for race win, pole and fastest lap!

Castrol GP Predictor game

Time for the Autralian Grand Prix Thread?