Head Predicts Minnows to Start Race at the Front

Williams technical director Patrick Head believes teams such as Minardi and Jordan might try to steal pole position for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix in a bid to please potential sponsors.

The new regulations prevent teams from refuelling their cars between qualifying and the race and Head believes predictions that some of the smaller teams will run light fuel loads to qualify at the front could come true.

"I can see some of the less financially secure teams taking a gamble and running light in qualifying just to get their cars some publicity by starting at the front of the grid," Head said ahead of the first race of the year.

The top teams will have worked hard on their strategies to ensure they choose the best fuel level to run in qualifying to maximise their potential in the following day's race.

But small teams in need of extra sponsors to secure their place in the future of Formula One, could benefit significantly by starting from the front - even though they will have to pit for fuel soon after the start.