Bernie suggests balloted grid

According to a report in this week's Autosport magazine, Ecclestone suggested that grid positions could be decided by ballot, with points applying to qualifying as well as the race to maintain the competitiveness of the session.

Ecclestone was furious that the team principles backed out of an agreement to change the qualifying format to two 25-minute free-for-all sessions contributing to an aggregate qualifying time, despite them previously coming to unanimous agreement on the measures.

Ecclestone held a series of meetings with team owners during the weekend in a bid to regain support. He promised to drop 107 percent rule contended by Minardi's Paul Stoddart and told the Sauber, BAR and Renault teams that he would ensure the second session was run under race fuel conditions.

But eventually the loss of guaranteed TV coverage provided by the current single-lap qualifying system meant Eddie Jordan was forced to vote against the introduction of a new system.

"If we want a different grid then have a ballot," said Ecclestone. "You would have the same eight points-scoring positions for qualifying as you have for the race, meaning a good guy who is quick has the points in his pocket.

"Then the ballot which is the same for everybody, means the fastest guy may be lucky and be on pole or he may be at the back of the grid. It's something we may have to leave until next year."