Qual set for immediate re-vamp

Formula 1's controversial 2004 qualifying format could be changed as soon as next weekend's German Grand Prix according to this week's Autosport magazine

Leading team bosses were accused of making a mockery of the sport after they told their drivers to run slow laps in the pre-qualifying session at Silverstone, because they wanted early slots in the qualifying proper - fearing the arrival of rain. The ensuing rumpus could trigger immediate changes.

A plan to alter the qualifying format before the British Grand Prix had been stymied by resistance from Eddie Jordan, who said he would lose guaranteed television coverage.

Autosport revealed that before the Saturday controversy, the FIA had written to all the teams saying that it was ready to switch to double 25-minute sessions providing there was unanimous support from the teams.

There is now hope that resistance from Jordan can be alleviated if he is guaranteed TV coverage or other benefits.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was typically forthright on the matter. "It was all very stupid," said Ecclestone, "but it is nothing to do with those involved, it is the system - the system needs changing and we will change it. The fans had paid good money to see the cars going as quickly as possible. They were cheated."