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MELBOURNE - KIMI Raikkonen's hopes of winning the season-opening Australian Grand Prix dimmed on Saturday when the world champion was eliminated from qualifying after the first session.
The Finn lost all power in his Ferrari's engine due to a suspected fuel pressure problem and tried to coast back to the pits before coming to a halt on the entry lane.
Ferrari mechanics ran to assist, pushing the stricken car back to the garage.
Raikkonen, winner in Melbourne from pole position last year, set the fifth fastest time in the session but stewards barred him from taking any further part in qualifying for receiving assistance.
The Finn is likely to start 16th in Sunday's race.
Earlier BMW Sauber drivers Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld lapped quickest in Saturday's final free practice.
Poland's Kubica lapped the Albert Park circuit in one minute, 25.613 seconds, with Germany's Heidfeld 0.337 slower.
Spain's double world champion Fernando Alonso, who was dethroned last year by Raikkonen, was third for Renault in a low-key session for favourites Ferrari and McLaren.
McLaren's 2007 overall runner-up Lewis Hamilton was 12th.
Germany's Nico Rosberg, who was sidelined for much of Friday due to a gearbox problem, completed 17 laps on a warm morning and was fourth fastest ahead of the Red Bulls of Briton David Coulthard and Australian Mark Webber.
Qualifying for Sunday's race was due to start at 0300 GMT (11am Singapore time). -- REUTERS
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