30/10/2014
NEWS STORY
Due to the depleted grid, the qualifying format for this weekend's United States Grand prix has been amended.
Under the authority granted to the Stewards in Article 11.9 of the International Sporting Code, and having regard to the principles established in the Formula One Sporting Regulations Article 33.1, the Stewards decide that the slowest 4 cars in Q1 will be prohibited from taking any further part in the session, and the slowest 4 cars in Q2 will likewise be prohibited from taking any further part in the session.
In other words, of the 18 cars taking part in Q1 - assuming Sebastian Vettel does take part - the slowest 4 will be eliminated and the remaining 14 will go through to Q2. At the end of Q2, again the slowest 4 will be eliminated and the remaining ten go through to Q3 as usual.
Meanwhile, the Stewards, having noted that Marussia and Caterham will not participate, have considered the requirements of Article 13 of the 2014 Formula One Sporting Regulations, in particular Article 13.2 (f), and the Entry Form lodged with and accepted by the FIA in accordance with Appendix 2 of the Sporting Regulations, have decided that both teams are in breach of the Regulations.
In view of the teams' current financial circumstances, the stewards decided not to impose any penalty, however, because of the particular nature of the breach, the matter is referred to the attention of the FIA President.