Qualifying shake-up a step closer

The subject is still open for discussion, but it looks likely that qualifying will move to Saturday and Sunday in a bid to increase F1 action on race day. The favourite proposal is for Saturday qualifying to be run with low fuel and Sunday's session to be run with race fuel levels just hours before the race.

The amount of running teams will be allowed to do on a Friday will depend on the amount of testing they decide to do outside a GP weekend. The options are thought to range from two to six hours - with more Friday running in exchange for less testing outside race weekends.

The proposals have generally found favour in the paddock, although not everyone is convinced. Frank Williams expressed concern about the lack of PR time drivers would have on a Sunday.

"Driver presence on a Sunday morning has been a ritual for years," said Williams. "There are many things we currently do in a very tight programme that we couldn't do in that proposal."