Sauber sources have confirmed that Kamui Kobayashi is set to start seventh in Suzuka after the FIA timing system at the end of Q3 left him in 10th place – having failed to take account of the rules.
Those who fail to set a lap time are split into three categories:
– Drivers who start a flying lap
– Drivers who leave the garage but don’t start a flying lap
– Drivers who stay in the garage.
Within those categories cars line up in number order.
Kobayashi is in the first category because he started a flying lap, although he did not complete it. That puts him ahead of everyone else.
Michael Schumacher intended to start a flying lap, but did not make it round and received the flag. Senna and Petrov also received the flag. They line up in number order, with Schumacher ahead of Senna and Petrov.
Adam Cooper F1 
He has run through the 130R with opening DRS on the Q2 flying lap.
What a daredevil driver
Sauber finally made a smart move after making several unforced errors in recent races. Perez is P17, but he should be fine tomorrow with two sets of fresh options.
I was watching qualifying thinking I might be the only person that understood the rules.
Well done to Sauber for exploiting the silliness of the other teams. 3 spots on the grid for bothering to leave the pits should be a no-brainer.
Mercedes actually got that, so I wouldn’t call them silly. That’s why Schumacher got involved in the Hamilton hold-up in the first place.
What a way to run a circus!