FIA puts blue flag rules on its agenda

FIA race director Charlie Whiting says he is open to discuss a revision of Formula 1's blue flag rules which force backmarkers to yield to a car on the leading lap.

The system was introduced in 1995 but is regularly called into question by the sport's fans, and indeed by some drivers, with many considering lapping a backmarker an intricate part of a driver's fundamental skill.

Queried on the subject in Barcelona, Whiting admits a revision of the blue flag rules could be in the cards despite strong opposition from teams and drivers who wish to keep the system intact.

• Drivers gaming VSC system, says Vettel, but Whiting disagrees

"There’s been talk about that, it’s been proposed a few times," said Whiting.

"Hugely unpopular with teams and drivers, of course. It’s something that is on the agenda, so to speak. It’s not been rejected completely," he added.

However, according to Whiting, chances of a suppression of the blue flag rules aren't great.

"We have to think about a decision like that thoroughly. It's just an estimate, but I think the chance is below 50 per cent," he added.

"It’s not popular. It would be quite something to get that through."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter