Customer car protest to be delayed

Super Aguri, Scuderia Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing were all set to be protested following qualifying at Albert Park today, after attempts to find a settlement for Formula One's customer car row had failed.

But sources close to the situation have revealed that it is highly unlikely there will be a protest at Albert Park today - although they have not ruled out one being lodged after the race on Sunday.

The reasons for the delay have not been specified but it could be because of difficulties caused by the time difference between Britain - where team boss Frank Williams is - and Australia.

The Spyker team are understood to be in close consultation with Williams over the matter, and any move to protest is likely to be done in tandem.

However, despite the decision not to press ahead with a protest after qualifying, autosport.com understands that plans are still being formulated for action to be taken either after the race tomorrow or at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Teams have 30 minutes after the publication of results to lodge a protest, and it is understood that if no move is made this weekend then it is likely action will be taken after scrutineering in Malaysia.

Such a delay would give Spyker and Williams three weeks to agree on a course of action, with team boss Frank Williams also scheduled to attend the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Spyker boss Colin Kolles has so far refused to confirm that his team are planning a protest against their rivals. "I have nothing to say," he said before qualifying in Australia.