Qualifying nightmare for Raikkonen in Bahrain

MANAMA, Mar 11 (Reuters) Kimi Raikkonen failed to complete a lap in qualifying for tomorrow's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix after his McLaren suffered a suspected rear suspension failure.

The Finn brought out the red flags in the first of three sessions after bouncing off the track at speed. The McLaren's rear wing had sheared off, leaving the rear right wheel trailing at an angle.

Under a new format introduced this season, qualifying is divided into three sessions with the bottom six cars in each of the first two 15 minute periods eliminated.

The final 10 drivers then fight for pole position in a 20 minute session.

Raikkonen, overall runner-up last season with seven victories, nursed his stricken car back to the pits while the session was suspended but there was not enough time for repairs.

He is expected to start from the back of the grid.

When the session started again, drivers had to queue up to leave the pitlane. World champion Fernando Alonso was fastest with Britain's Jenson Button, aiming for his first win after 100 starts, second.

Both Super Aguri cars, driven by Japan's Takuma Sato and Yuji Ide, failed to get through to the second session as did the Midlands of Christijan Albers and Tiago Monteiro and Toyota's Ralf Schumacher.

Reuters PDS BS1729