Briatore calls for qualifying tweak

The Italian, who was a prime mover in the decision to drop the single-lap format, said in Malaysia that the new rules introduced in Bahrain last week are a big improvement. But he believes the third part of the session should be simplified.

"I'm not happy with the first part of qualifying three," he said. "It's confusing. Firstly there should be a times window on the TV because it is difficult to follow. It's hard for the spectators to understand why they are going round and round."

Briatore said that the reactions from audiences has been positive, but believes that the rule that dictates cars start the final part of the session on race fuel levels should be dropped.

As things stand, the cars spend the first part of the session lapping constantly to burn off fuel and then go for a time.

Briatore believes a simple rule-change would spice up the battle for pole position.

"One by one is boring. I don't want that. But I believe in qualifying three you should have 15 minutes to set your time. You put as much fuel in the car as you want - say 70 kilos - and then at the end the car goes into Parc Ferme and however much you have left is the amount you start the race with."

There is a precedent for changing qualifying during the season. Last year an aggregate system was dropped in favour of a single run.

"I believe it is possible to change," said Briatore. "We just have to sit down and decide. Let's see. Bernie [Ecclestone] is the first to understand these things."