Wolff not expecting better F1 qualifying show in Sakhir

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff does not think the returning elimination-style qualifying format will lead to an entertaining fight for pole position at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

Hastily introduced on the eve of the new season, the knockout system resulted in farcical scenes in Melbourne.

Despite F1 team bosses quickly moving to revert to the old format in the wake of the fiasco, failure to reach unanimous agreement in the F1 commission means the much-maligned system is back in Sakhir.

“This weekend we will see the new qualifying system continue after a less-than-impressive debut in Australia,” said Wolff, who had previously described the change as “rubbish”.

“The teams were unanimous in their opinion of it on Sunday in Melbourne and it wasn't a positive opinion. We haven't found the right format with this change and it's hard to see how it might be more entertaining for the fans this weekend in Bahrain.

“The sport is under scrutiny on this matter, so careful thought is required in order to make coordinated, intelligent steps forward from the position we are in right now. The fans want close racing, in a format they can understand, between the best drivers and cars in the world - in that order. We should be capable of delivering that to the people in the grandstands and watching around the world.”

Mercedes kick started the defence of its two titles in fine style, as Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton secured a one-two finish in the season opener. But Wolff remains aware that Ferrari’s outright pace has put the Italian team at close range and even expects Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen to represent bigger threats this weekend.

“We have made a solid start to the season. However, while our advantage in Melbourne was a healthy one, it was nevertheless close enough that those bad starts could easily have lost us the race.

“Bahrain is a track that should suit Ferrari, so we expect even smaller gaps and a very close match this weekend. After a successful debut for the new tyre regulations last time out, we can also expect an interesting strategy battle during the race, so there is plenty to look forward to.”

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