The incident is almost identical to that incurred by team-mate Sebastian
Vettel in last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Vettel, however, was ordered by the team to stop his car on his in-lap after
setting the third fastest time during qualifying at the Yas Marina Circuit.
On that occasion the team believed there was a problem within the fuel tank of
the car, whereas in this instance an issue has been discovered with the fuel
bowser.
Team principal Christian Horner said: “A frustrating qualifying session
for the team and for Mark.
“Unfortunately in Q2 the amount of fuel that was required to be put into
the car from the fuel rig was not fully delivered.
“This was due to an error with the fuel bowser that meant it under
delivered three kilograms of fuel.
“Therefore on Mark’s in-lap we saw large drop outs in the fuel tank
collector and the car unfortunately ran dry of fuel, which is obviously
frustrating.
“The fuel bowser has been immediately quarantined for further
investigation.
“It’s a shame as he would obviously have made Q3 today.”
Webber has naturally admitted to being “very disappointed”, and he
now faces a tough ask simply to get into the points
“Q1 went okay, I was comfortable with the car and we had a good plan for
the rest of the session,” said Webber, who finished third in this race
two years ago after starting 18th.
“But in Q2 we lost fuel pressure so I had to turn the car off and
couldn’t get it back to the pits.
“I had to stop on the circuit, so qualifying was over before it started
really.
“We need a bit of luck now. It’s not the optimum starting position, but
we still have to try to get something from there.”
(Edited by Nick Pearce)