Welcome to coverage of qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix.

So Vettel starts on pole with Button also on the front row. Webber and Alonso are behind them, with Schumacher and Massa on the third row. Hamilton, Rosberg and Maldonado start from positions seven to nine.

The temperature of the tyres has meant no one will threaten Vettel's pole.

Maldonado sets a 1:16 time and is ninth.

Hamilton only goes seventh ahead of Rosberg!

Button is touring...

So with less than a minute left, Hamilton begins his flying lap. All or nothing - no time set by him yet. And in Monaco grid position is all important.

Hamilton was waiting at the front of the pitlane exit, losing temperature from the tyres - all nine drivers are straight out.

We start again - time for one hot lap.

The session to restart in eight minutes, at 15:35 local time.

The barrier is being rebuilt.

Perez is conscious and talking! Great news. Perez's dad and team manager heading to the medical centre.

The Sauber is being winched away, a shell of its former glory. Only two wheels attached to it.

Perez being put into the ambulance, still covered from view. People on the balcony above seem to be clapping him, so hopefully he is okay.

The energy from the crash was dispersed well by the destroyed barrier, but he may have damaged his neck. White sheets are being held over the driver. There has been no response from him on the radio. But we have no idea how he is yet.

The session is halted with 2:26 left. It was after the tunnel, before the chicane.

Perez might not be okay as an ambulance arrives at the scene. He hit it sideways with great force.

Perez smashes into the tyre barriers that Rosberg just missed during his big crash!

Hamilton waves his hand at Massa, accusing him of getting in the way of a hot lap. No change in the order.

Massa, in fifth, pits for tyres. Vettel leads from Button, Webber, Alonso, Massa, Schumacher and Rosberg.

World champion Vettel with a scorching 1:13.556! Seven times set.