Learning to Fly: lessons from qualifying
The new knockout qualifying system was hailed as a resounding success in Bahrain, yet much of the drama was caused by errors of ignorance that teams will now try to avoid. Adam Cooper analyses the first session and the lessons it offers the Formula One teams in preparation for Malaysia
Even the teams didn't know quite what to expect of the new qualifying format in Bahrain, and the first experience of the knockout system was an education for all.
Helped in part by Kimi Raikkonen's spectacular contribution, qualifying at Sakhir proved to be a show in its own right, and far more entertaining than what we've grown used to over the last three years. More importantly, along with the return of tyre changes, it helped to set up a fascinating race.
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