04/03/2016
NEWS STORY
Two weeks, to the day, before the cars take to the track in Melbourne, F1 chiefs have finally agreed on the qualifying format.
Of course, whether it runs without a hitch, and whether fans (and drivers) can make sense of it remains to be seen.
First proposed by the Strategy Group, the controversial new format then suffered a knock-back when Bernie Ecclestone claimed the relevant software and broadcast graphics would not be ready in time.
As a result a 'bastardised' version was suggested, one which would use the new format in Q1 and Q2 but revert to the old format for Q3. This, of course, still didn't take into account the concerns raised by Ecclestone.
At this point the teams and drivers got involved, most, especially the drivers, unhappy with the new format, insisting that the old one worked perfectly well.
Aware that the clock is ticking, the FIA World Motor Sport Council, having been advised by FOM that the software and graphics issues will be sorted, today ratified the original format which sees the slowest drivers eliminated in all three phases of qualifying.
And for those fans (and drivers) still as confused as we are:
Q1 will last for 16 minutes. After 7 minutes the slowest driver is eliminated. Subsequently the slowest driver is eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag. 7 drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2.
Q2 will last for 15 minutes. After 6 minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated. Subsequently the slowest driver is eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag. 7 drivers eliminated, 8 progress to Q3.
Q3 will last 14 minutes. After 5 minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated. Subsequently the slowest driver is eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag leaving 2 drivers in the final 1 minute 30 seconds.
The final elimination in each session occurs at the chequered flag - not when time is up.
Check out our Friday gallery, here.