Formula 1 teams and the FIA are set to meet during the second pre-season test in Bahrain to discuss making changes to the current qualifying rules.
AUTOSPORT reported last week that modifications to the current format could come into force immediately, in order to boost the spectacle.
The existing three-session ‘knockout’ system was introduced in 2006 and, in my view, is far better in comparison to previous formats like one-lap and aggregate qualifying (which I always hated).
The opening 20 minute session is often hotly contested, although the bottom few positions on the grid have been easy to predict since the arrival of the ‘new teams’ in 2010, and Q2 – which lasts for 15 minutes – is even more exciting. This has been largely thanks to a very competitive midfield in recent years.
However, one flaw with the current system is the final top 10 shoot-out. It has been problematic from the start, with changes being made in 2008 (reducing it from 15 to 10 minutes) to stop the infamous “fuel-burning” phase – when drivers took to the track early on to reduce the fuel load before then setting a lap time in the closing stages.
However, we now have the opposite issue with a lack of cars taking to the track. This is thanks to tyre saving, with some drivers – even, at times, up to half of those competing in the session – remaining in their pit garages and not completing a timed lap. This gives them free choice of tyre compounds to start the race on.
Alternatively, some drivers just complete two sector times and then pit to conserve the tyre life for the race. This often creates unexciting and underwhelming top 10 shoot-outs. Even the top drivers battling for pole position sometimes pit before crossing the line to complete their final run, to save one lap of tyre wear.
The FIA and teams look set to meet and discuss possible options to help increase the qualifying spectacle, although the current knockout format – which has been quite a success – doesn’t look set to change.
Possible modifications being reported by AUTOSPORT include forcing drivers taking part in Q3 to start the race with the tyres used to set their best times in Q2, meaning no incentive to sit out of the final session while still making them run in the middle session to get a spot in the top 10 shoot-out, and giving drivers an extra set of tyres to use in Q3.
These tyres would then be returned to the FIA afterwards, allowing them to push for the fastest lap without having to worry about the consequences in the race – something Pirelli has always been open about. Reports also say discussions on extending the duration of the third session could be a possibility, to allow drivers to have time to complete two runs.
I personally think something needs to be done to improve the Q3 spectacle, but without harming the other two sessions. I think providing a set of qualifying tyres for the final top 10 shoot-out would be the best change, as it would mean drivers don’t have to worry about tyre life for the race and can go all-out.
It would mean drivers can push 100% and take as much life out of the Pirelli rubber as possible, providing both those at the track and watching it on TV with a much better spectacle as a result.
The introduction of permanent numbers for 2014 has caused a change in the way the grid will be decided if some do not set a time in qualifying. Instead of the previous format, where it was worked out by the driver’s car number, it will now be decided by the times from third practice.
This could have an impact on the qualifying session, even if changes are not made, and many expect the field spread to be larger next year as well.
Overall though, the meeting is scheduled for February 21st – just a few weeks before the start of the season. With so many new rules for 2014 already, is it really necessary? Tyres this year are harder and more durable, so we don’t know how teams will run in qualifying until it actually happens.
I think it is a bit too late to change the rules for this season, but perhaps discussions could take place later in the year after we have seen a few qualifying rounds take place. No one knows how the tyres will react until the season gets underway. For all we know, we could get plenty of Q3 running due to the regulations shake-up.
Due to the last-minute nature, the changes will only be made if there is unanimous support from all teams at the meeting. So it is unlikely that we will see alterations to the format for 2014, but we may well do for 2015 if the lack of running continues.
Other than the problematic Q3, I think the current format is great and should remain unchanged. What do you make of the current system? Should it be modified, or is it fine the way it is? Leave a comment or let me know on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
The existing three-session ‘knockout’ system was introduced in 2006 and, in my view, is far better in comparison to previous formats like one-lap and aggregate qualifying (which I always hated).
The opening 20 minute session is often hotly contested, although the bottom few positions on the grid have been easy to predict since the arrival of the ‘new teams’ in 2010, and Q2 – which lasts for 15 minutes – is even more exciting. This has been largely thanks to a very competitive midfield in recent years.
However, one flaw with the current system is the final top 10 shoot-out. It has been problematic from the start, with changes being made in 2008 (reducing it from 15 to 10 minutes) to stop the infamous “fuel-burning” phase – when drivers took to the track early on to reduce the fuel load before then setting a lap time in the closing stages.
However, we now have the opposite issue with a lack of cars taking to the track. This is thanks to tyre saving, with some drivers – even, at times, up to half of those competing in the session – remaining in their pit garages and not completing a timed lap. This gives them free choice of tyre compounds to start the race on.
Alternatively, some drivers just complete two sector times and then pit to conserve the tyre life for the race. This often creates unexciting and underwhelming top 10 shoot-outs. Even the top drivers battling for pole position sometimes pit before crossing the line to complete their final run, to save one lap of tyre wear.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
The FIA and teams look set to meet and discuss possible options to help increase the qualifying spectacle, although the current knockout format – which has been quite a success – doesn’t look set to change.
Possible modifications being reported by AUTOSPORT include forcing drivers taking part in Q3 to start the race with the tyres used to set their best times in Q2, meaning no incentive to sit out of the final session while still making them run in the middle session to get a spot in the top 10 shoot-out, and giving drivers an extra set of tyres to use in Q3.
These tyres would then be returned to the FIA afterwards, allowing them to push for the fastest lap without having to worry about the consequences in the race – something Pirelli has always been open about. Reports also say discussions on extending the duration of the third session could be a possibility, to allow drivers to have time to complete two runs.
I personally think something needs to be done to improve the Q3 spectacle, but without harming the other two sessions. I think providing a set of qualifying tyres for the final top 10 shoot-out would be the best change, as it would mean drivers don’t have to worry about tyre life for the race and can go all-out.
It would mean drivers can push 100% and take as much life out of the Pirelli rubber as possible, providing both those at the track and watching it on TV with a much better spectacle as a result.
The introduction of permanent numbers for 2014 has caused a change in the way the grid will be decided if some do not set a time in qualifying. Instead of the previous format, where it was worked out by the driver’s car number, it will now be decided by the times from third practice.
This could have an impact on the qualifying session, even if changes are not made, and many expect the field spread to be larger next year as well.
Overall though, the meeting is scheduled for February 21st – just a few weeks before the start of the season. With so many new rules for 2014 already, is it really necessary? Tyres this year are harder and more durable, so we don’t know how teams will run in qualifying until it actually happens.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
I think it is a bit too late to change the rules for this season, but perhaps discussions could take place later in the year after we have seen a few qualifying rounds take place. No one knows how the tyres will react until the season gets underway. For all we know, we could get plenty of Q3 running due to the regulations shake-up.
Due to the last-minute nature, the changes will only be made if there is unanimous support from all teams at the meeting. So it is unlikely that we will see alterations to the format for 2014, but we may well do for 2015 if the lack of running continues.
Other than the problematic Q3, I think the current format is great and should remain unchanged. What do you make of the current system? Should it be modified, or is it fine the way it is? Leave a comment or let me know on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.