A revised qualifying format could be introduced from the start of this season, retaining part of the old system.
A meeting of Charlie Whiting and the sporting directors took place on Tuesday, seeking a solution for the qualifying proposals which had appeared to be under threat. After an elimination-style qualifying was announced last week, Bernie Ecclestone warned it would not be possible to introduce before the Spanish Grand Prix.
However, a compromise has now been suggested, with the first two sessions to feature the planned elimination format as drivers would be knocked out at 90-second intervals. Q3 would then retain the same format as at present, with a 12 minute session involving eight cars - rather than ten as previously - fighting for pole position without elimination.
The format wold work as follows:
Q1
- 16 minutes
- After 7 minutes, slowest driver eliminated
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag
- 7 drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2
Q2
- 16 minutes
- After 7 minutes, slowest driver eliminated
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag
- 7 drivers eliminated, 8 progress to Q3
Q3
- 12 minutes
- 8 drivers battle for pole position
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