Williams Calls for Qualifying Change
Team boss Frank Williams says Formula One's current qualifying system must be changed urgently, although he reckons getting back to the old format could be a problem
"There might be two or three small modifications in the future. The important thing is that everyone must realise that the system must change, and urgently," Williams said in an interview with Autosprint.
"The problem is that some cars have smaller tanks than others. McLaren, maybe BAR, and Ferrari can cover longer distances, and have more fuel on board after qualifying."
The current system sees the starting grid being decided on times aggregated from two sessions with the new Sunday morning qualifying increasingly disliked by broadcasters and teams.
Previously the drivers had an hour-long session to complete a maximum of 12 laps.
Williams said there is a possibility the system will be changed back next year, but admitted it would cause problems under current regulations that made the drivers restrict their running as much as possible.
"Next year we might go back to the old system, but there is a big problem: the engine having to last two GPs and the single set of tyres for qualifying and the race," added Williams.
"At least, with the current system, it's all over in one lap."
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