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Brawn clarifies 'misunderstandings' about 2020 changes to GP format

Formula 1 motorsport boss Ross Brawn says that any potential changes in 2020 to the race weekend format shall be experimental in nature.

Ahead of Grand Prix racing's 2021 regulations overhaul, the sport's chiefs have tabled the idea of introducing a few new concepts at certain races to spice up the show, one of which would involve a change to the sport's qualifying format.

However, Brawn insisted that any potential changes would be nothing more than provisional tests, or "experiments".

"In recent days I’ve read a variety of statements from drivers and pundits concerning ideas to make the race weekend format more spectacular," said Brawn.

"To try to clarify the situation and avoid misunderstandings, there are discussions about experimenting in 2020 with changes to the qualifying format with the aim of making a Grand Prix weekend a little less predictable.

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"I want to emphasise the word ‘experiment’ because this is what it is about – a small sample to establish the directions for the future.

"We are all too aware that the current qualifying format is exciting and spectacular but what is also important is to make sure that the race, the highlight of the weekend, is the best it can be."

From qualifying races to reverse-grid scenarios - an idea ridiculed by F1's top drivers - Brawn believes the best way to validate a potential change is to test it under real world conditions.

"No matter how many simulations you run, there’s no measure more accurate than the track," explained Brawn.

"Formula 1, the teams and the FIA are studying the possibility of a revised format for a small number of events for next season.

"With stable sporting and technical regulations in place for 2020 it is the perfect time for such evaluations.

"No decision has been taken yet because we are finalising all the details, but feedbacks received so far are, in the majority, positive.

"I understand that the purists might be concerned, but we should not be afraid to conduct an experiment otherwise we cannot progress.

"We don't want change for the sake of change; we want to improve our sport, because, rather like the development of the cars, if you stand still you risk slipping backwards."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.