Formula 1 teams set to reject aggregate qualifying proposal

The proposal for the new format came following a meeting of the 11 teams, FIA president Jean Todt, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery in the paddock ahead of last Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix.

An evaluation process of the system has since been carried out, but sources have confirmed to Autosport the teams are against the suggested set-up.

They are not alone as some drivers have also voiced their objections.

Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel led the chorus of disapproval by describing aggregate qualifying as "a shit idea", adding that "it's time to go to the circus".

Fans have also added their voice, with numerous polls showing even the current unpopular elimination format to be ahead of the aggregate proposition.

The idea would involve drivers' two best laptimes being combined to reach an aggregate, and would apply to all of Q1, Q2 and Q3.

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo stated: "Qualifying is one lap, that one perfect lap."

Aggregate qualifying was previously introduced in 2005, with one lap conducted on low fuel on Saturday, and the other on Sunday with a race-fuel load.

It proved a disaster on that occasion and lasted only six races before it was scrapped.

The teams are pushing for a return to the qualifying method that was in place from 2006 to 2015, with the aim for evaluations to be conducted over the remainder of this season before the potential introduction of a new format in 2017.

A heavily political battle is being waged on this divisive topic between the teams in one corner, and the FIA and Ecclestone in the other.

Todt and Ecclestone are of the opinion there is no going back to the former system, and have so far refused to put it back on the table to be voted on.

They are of the belief that as the teams voted for the current knockout scheme then they have to live with it, or come up with an alternative recommendation.

At this stage, with deeply entrenched positions on both sides, it appears elimination qualifying will be in place for the Chinese Grand Prix, unless one side or the other makes a late shift in position.