Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton is the defending F1 world championReuters

One of the most-anticipated event in the sporting calendar, Formula One is here with Australian Grand Prix as the season opener.

Top drivers from around the world are ready to battle it out for the prestigious drivers' title, which was won by McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton last season, who was closely followed by his team mate, Nico Rosberg in second place.

Lewis Hamilton has started the season brilliantly once again, taking pole position for the Australian Grand Prix race day, which takes place on Sunday, while Rosberg would start behind him, as the defending champion set a time of 1 minute, 26.327s in the Albert Park circuit, while the German's time read 1m 26.921s.

The much-talked about Daniel Ricciardo was the seventh fastest in qualifying with 1m 28.329s. Felipe Massa, Sebastian Vettel, and Kimi Raikkonen were third, fourth and fifth fastest.

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Force India drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez will start from 14th and 15th position in the grid, as they clocked 1m 29.208s and 1 m 29.209s respectively.

But one would have to say, though McLaren-Honda's Jenson Button drove the car as fast as he could, he could not impress much, as they finished last in qualifying; Button's timing read 1m 31.422s, while his team mate Kevin Magnussen's read 1m 32.037s.

Though this performance was expected from McLaren-Honda, 1996 World Champion Damon Hill, who is also a SKY F1 pundit does not remember the last time two McLarens were in the back row. "I predicted it would be painful, but I didn't predict it to be as painful as it is right now," said Hill as quoted by Sky Sports.

"I can't remember the last time the two McLarens were on the back row of the grid."

Though Hamilton is in pole position ahead of the main race, it is not going to be a cakewalk for the driver, as he would face stiff competition from Rosberg, Vettel and co, as they would be eager to clinch the prestigious drivers' title as well.

Still, those who watched Hamilton's drive during the qualifying session might consider him as favourite for the season opener. Hamilton looked in full control of the car as well as the circuit.

Where to Watch Live

The Australian Grand Prix race day is scheduled for a 5 am GMT (10.30 am IST, 1 am ET) start with Live coverage in India on Star Sports 4 HD with live streaming option on Starsports.com

UK viewers can catch the Australian GP on Sky Sports F1 with the option of live streaming on Sky Sports F1. US viewers watch the race on NBC Sports with live streaming option on NBC Sports Online.