Hamilton's practice lasts just five minutes due to problem (VIDEO) - MotorSportsTalk

He may have been touted by many as the favorite for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, but Lewis Hamilton’s race weekend got off to a disastrous start as his Mercedes W05 car ground to a halt after just five minutes of practice.

The Briton, who enjoyed a fine testing period ahead of the race weekend, was one of the first drivers to exit the pits at the start of the session. A new rule for 2014 sees drivers given a bonus set of tires that can only be used during the first 30 minutes of the session, meaning that many took advantage of this to get out early and post a lap time.

However, whilst completing his installation lap, Hamilton’s car came to a halt because of an oil pressure sensor problem. He was forced to stop his car on the exit of turn ten, bringing out waved yellow flags and requiring a crane to carry the Mercedes away.

Although the team did make efforts to get the car back to the pits, Hamilton eventually changed out of his race suit and was forced to sit out for the remainder of the session.

Interestingly, when walking back to the pits, Hamilton kept his helmet on and refused to talk to the media. However, a security official tried to get the driver to present his paddock pass, but he was quickly brushed aside.

Hamilton will be hoping to make up for lost time during the second free practice session, which is live on NBCSN and Live Extra from 1:30am ET.

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In a continuing effort to help fans keep track of the on track action, SuperMotocross is in the process of developing and implementing leader lights for the unified series.

Currently Supercross (SMX) utilizes stanchions in the infield that are triggered manually by a race official. At least two stanchions are used in each race as a way to draw the eye to the leader, which is especially useful in the tight confines of the stadium series when lapping often begins before the halfway mark in the 22-bike field. This system has been in place for the past two decades.

Later this year, a fully automated system will move to the bike itself to replace the old system. At that point, fans will be able to identify the leader regardless of where he is on track.

The leader lights were tested in the second Anaheim round this year. An example can be seen at the 1:45 mark in the video above on the No. 69 bike.

“What we don’t want to do is move too fast, where it’s confusing to people,” said Mike Muye, senior director of operations for Supercross and SMX in a press release. “We’ve really just focused on the leader at this point with the thought that maybe down the road we’ll introduce others.”

Scheduled to debut with the first SuperMotocross World Championship race at zMax Dragway, located just outside the Charlotte Motor Speedway, a 3D carbon fiber-printed LED light will be affixed to each motorcycle. Ten timing loops positioned around the track will trigger the lights of the leader, which will turn green.

SMX’s partner LiveTime Scoring helped develop and implement the system that has been tested in some form or fashion since 2019.

When the leader lights are successfully deployed, SuperMotocross will explore expanding the system to identify the second- and third-place riders. Depending on need and fan acceptance, more positions could be added.

SuperMotocross is exploring future enhancements, including allowing for live fan interaction with the lights and ways to use the lighting system during the race’s opening ceremony.

Hamilton’s practice lasts just five minutes due to problem (VIDEO)

SuperMotocross set to introduce Leader Lights beginning with the World Championship finals

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