Miniaturized passively Q-switched Nd:YAG/Cr(4+):YAG lasers are promising candidates as spark sources for sophisticated laser ignition. The influence of the complex spatial-temporal pulse profile of such lasers on the process of plasma breakdown and on the energy transfer is studied. The developed measurement technique is applied to an open ignition system as well as to prototypes of laser spark plugs. A detected temporal breakdown delay causes an advantageous separation of plasma building phase from energy transfer. In case of fast rising laser pulses, an advantageous reduction of the plasma breakdown delay occurs instead.