Elimination-style qualifying to be introduced in 2016

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The 2016 season will see a new elimination-style qualifying format introduced in F1.

The new format retains a similar approach to the current knockout qualifying system, with three sessions - Q1, Q2 and Q3 - during which cars drop out. However, after an initial period of each session the slowest driver will be eliminated. From there, the slowest driver will be eliminated every 90 seconds.

In Q1, the session is set to be 16 minutes long and the first driver will drop out after seven minutes, meaning seven drivers will be eliminated. A 15-minute Q2 session will see another seven drivers drop out - starting from six minutes in to the session - leaving eight cars to progress to the final part of qualifying.

In Q3, the session will be 14 minutes long and from five minutes in the slowest driver will drop out every 90 seconds until two cars are left on track for the final 90-second fight for pole position.

The new qualifying regulations receiving unanimous approval in the F1 Commission meeting in Geneva on Tuesday, meaning they can be introduced immediately for the start of the 2016 season.

Final confirmation from the FIA of when the regulations will come in to effect is expected on Wednesday morning.

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