Emilia Romagna GP set for F1 qualifying experiment

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Formula 1 is set to trial a new tyre allocation qualifying experiment at the Emilia Romagna Grand prix at Imola in May.

In a bid to reduce the large inventory of tyres that Pirelli brings to each Grand Prix, F1 has devised a new format that will be trialed at two venues this season.

Overall, the number of sets allocated to each driver for the entire race will be reduced from 13 to 11.

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While drivers are currently free to choose which compounds they use in the three segments of qualifying, the new experimental format will force drivers to use Hard tyres in Q1, Mediums in Q2, and the Soft rubber in Q3.

Under the new format, drivers will receive three sets of Hards, four sets of Mediums and four sets of Softs during the weekend.

Those who fail to make the Q3 cut in qualifying would retain their three sets of soft compound tyres for race day, which could prove beneficial at specific venues, while tyre choices will become free in the event of a session being declared wet.

Imola looks set to be confirmed as the first venue for the experiment which the second race experiment is expected to take place over the summer, but ahead of F1's summer break, meaning perhaps Budapest or Spa.

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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.