Weekend review and results round-up

But there was plenty about the Melbourne race to suggest that an intriguing year is in prospect, with the new rules providing a good deal of action without the chaos that had been feared, and McLaren, Ferrari and Renault showing promising form too.

The step into the unknown of the first race on Pirellis and with DRS wings was the main talking point of the build-up, while afterwards the focus was mainly on whether Red Bull could be caught - but also on the disqualification of the Saubers, a huge disappointment after Sergio Perez had pulled off a remarkable one-stop race to seventh on his debut.

The GT1 World Championship and IndyCar Series also got underway this weekend. GT1 put its turbulent winter aside with two enthralling races in Abu Dhabi, where the Hexis Aston Martin squad was the big winner, while IndyCar's new double-file restart rules got off to a chaotic start in St Petersburg, but didn't stop Dario Franchitti starting his title defence with a consummate win.

The World Rally Championship title battle is hotting up nicely, as Sebastien Ogier became the third different winner of the year in Portugal and hinted that a four-way battle for the crown could be on the cards.

NASCAR produced the weekend's most exciting finish: Kevin Harvick pounced in the final yards to deny Jimmie Johnson at Fontana and leave the hitherto dominant Kyle Busch only third.

The F1 sessions

Webber goes fastest in first practice

Button tops second Australia practice

Rapid Vettel shows Red Bull pace in P3

Vettel storms to Melbourne pole

Vettel takes commanding Australia win

The F1 headlines

Button: Overtaking will shock people

Brawn to leave Mercedes GP board

Ecclestone launches attack on Todt

FIA bans wet moveable wings use

Horner laughs off Hamilton's comments