Opinion varied on the new qualifying format

Opinions varied after the first one-shot final qualifying session of the new season, especially as to whether the post-qualifying refuelling ban is a positive move. It means that driver's are no longer able to react to their fortunes in qualifying by varying their race strategy.

Mar 8, 2003, 8:51 AM

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said: "I think the answer lies in history. In Brazil last year, for example, Rubens Barrichello had a bad qualifying session, opted to start the race light and went on to provide some of the moments of the race. I don't think that this is Formula 1. It just isn't."

Williams technical director Patrick Head added: "Personally, I think it was a bit of a bore but the TV people say that it's good news. I think we shouldn't be too hasty in our judgement and probably need to go half a season to see how things go."

Juan Pablo Montoya, perhaps surprisingly for a man who took seven pole positions under last year's format - with the cars in ultimate lightweight specification - enjoyed qualifying with a heavier car. "It actually takes more out of the driver having a heavier car without a perfect balance," he said. "It's actually a bigger challenge. I think it was good."