JPM fastest, but Aguris cost Rubens.

Juan Pablo Montoya led the way in the first qualifying session at Albert Park, but Rubens Barrichello failed to progress after being held up on his last-ditch flier.

Although McLaren left it late before being able to record times with either of its drivers, their problem was nothing compared to Barrichello, who found himself having to make his only fast lap count after being caught out by a red flag mid-session. Ironically, the cause of the interruption also blighted Rubens' attempt, as the Brazilian found himself held up by Yuji Ide's Super Aguri car midway through the lap. The Japanese driver, of course, is powered by the same Honda engine as Barrichello, who also had to move off line to pass Takuma Sato in the final sector.

The Honda Racing star eventually ended the session in 17th spot, the first of those knocked out by the new-look system, and joins Christijan Albers, Scott Speed, Tiago Monteiro and the two Aguris on the sidelines.

Montoya led the way from team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, with Mark Webber, Jarno Trulli, Giancarlo Fisichella and Nick Heidfeld completing the top six. The German's BMW team-mate, Jacques Villeneuve, also progressed to the second stage, despite knowing that he will take a ten-place engine change penalty before the race.

Although the session started dry, the circuit remained tricky, with Ide - no fewer than three times, including the stall that brought out the red flag - and Jenson Button both suffering notable off-track moments.