New qualifying format
Formula 1 will have a revised qualifying format as of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 11. Replacing the existing single car format will be a one hour session split into two 20 minute sessions with a 20 minute break in between
Each car must complete six laps in each of the sessions with the fastest time from each period aggregated to produce the overall grid time. Both sessions will be run with free fuel levels, meaning that once again we will see a return to flat out qualifying with cars in their optimum specification.
The parc ferme rules will continue but teams will fuel the cars after qualifying in preparation for the race. Many of the teams are believed to have pushed for the second session to be run with race fuel levels but Ferrari's Jean Todt pointed out that if fuel conservation was a factor, drivers would then crawl round on their in-laps having set their quick time, leading to potentially hazardous situations.
A prime consideration has been a simple format that is easily understandable and any aggregate system could be seen to fly in the face of that, but timing equipment is considered sophisticated enough not to make this a problem.
Share Or Save This Story
How F1 rule changes to improve safety could also remove "unintended overtaking"
Can Miami really be the start of a 'new' F1 season?
Ducati brings new swingarm and fairing to Jerez MotoGP test
MotoGP Jerez test: Aprilia 1-2-3 as new aero packages appear
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments