Norris fastest for McLaren before Qualy, both Aston Martins crash

Lando Norris topped the timesheets for McLaren in a surprise Australian GP final practice result before Saturday's qualifying, while Aston Martin's weekend took a turn for the worse with crashes for both their drivers.

McLaren, after a disappointing start to the season plagued by brake issues, have been much more competitive in Melbourne this weekend and Norris highlighted their speed with some notable pace in Practice Three.

The young Englishman set the pace with a 1:19.177, a tenth of a second ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Red Bull's Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso in the Alpine, another usual midfield team who have looked quick.

Max Verstappen struggled for balance and was only seventh, although didn't post a lap on the soft tyres as he finished behind the other McLaren and ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the lead Mercedes, who are still off the pace.

The mixed-up pecking order beautifully sets up an unpredictable qualifying, which is live on Sky Sports F1 at 7am.

"It's pretty special to know McLaren can do that," said Sky F1's Paul Di Resta. "I hope there are four teams in the fight for pole."

Video: Formula One preview: A lap of the Australian Grand Prix (Evening Standard)

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