Stewards to be flexible on qualifying rule

Red Bull Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel (L) of Germany speaks to FIA race director Charlie Whiting as they walk the circuit ahead of the South Korean F1 Grand Prix at the Korea International Circuit in Yeongam October 13, 2011. REUTERS/Lee Jae-Won

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Formula One stewards are likely to make allowances for any driver who fails to qualify for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix due to problems with the new engines, race director Charlie Whiting said on Thursday.

Under the regulations, to qualify for the race drivers must clock a time within 107 percent of that set by the driver on pole position.