From GMM

Karun Chandhok had one last chance to make his formula one debut this weekend in Bahrain.

After missing Saturday morning's third and final free practice session due to persistent technical problems with his HRT car, the Indian's weekend appeared over.

FIA rules state that "no driver may start in the race without taking part in at least one practice session".

But an official for the governing body clarified that qualifying is also a practice session, with article 33 of the sporting regulations referring to 'qualifying practice'.

Chandhok told BBC television before qualifying that he hoped "not to get in anyone's way, this is just to get a few laps under my belt".

Meanwhile, there were more than a few tired eyes in the HRT garage on Saturday morning, with reports that the race team worked so hard to prepare Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok's cars overnight that they did not bother returning to their hotel to sleep.

Spanish reports said some members of the new Spanish team have not slept in up to four nights, including its boss Colin Kolles.