Formula 1 teams unite in letter demanding return to 2015 qualifying
All 11 Formula 1 teams have joined forces and written a letter to motorsport's ruling hierarchy expressing a desire to return to last year's qualifying format, Autosport has learned
Sources have confirmed the letter underlines the unanimity being shown by the teams on this subject, and a desire do what they feel is in the best interests of the fans and for F1 in general.
The letter has been sent to FIA president Jean Todt, supremo Bernie Ecclestone and commercial rights holders CVC Capital Partners.
It is confirmation the aggregate qualifying system that had been proposed at a meeting in Bahrain on Sunday between the teams, Todt, Ecclestone and Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery has been unanimously rejected, as predicted by Autosport on Thursday morning.
The move is part of a heavily political battle being waged on what has become a 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 format used from 2006-15, and have so far refused to put it back on the table to be voted upon.
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.
A response from Todt, Ecclestone and CVC is now awaited with interest.
The teams are at least not alone in their dismissal of the format, as drivers and fans have also voiced their opposition in recent days.
The idea would have seen the two best lap times combined to make up an aggregate, and would have applied to all of Q1, Q2 and Q3.
Aggregate qualifying was last used in 2005, with one lap conducted on low fuel on Saturday, and the other on Sunday with a race-fuel load, which only lasted six races.
At this stage, with two 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.
Autosport understands there is one other option available for now, and that is a modification of the current structure, although there is no clarity as to how it should proceed if it stays in place.
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