QUALIFYING FORMAT SET TO CHANGE
21 May 2005 - ITV Sport

Formula 1''s team bosses have universally agreed to scrap the current aggregated qualifying system and replace it with a single hour-long one-lap session on Saturday afternoons.

The new format must now pass through the Formula 1 Commission and the World Council before it is approved, but the new procedure could be in place as early as the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring next weekend.

The proposal should be ratified following the results of a fax vote this week.

The new system will see drivers compete for grid position in full race specification from 13:00 on Saturday afternoon, with the order of running decided by the result of the previous grand prix.

The current qualifying format has emphasised the disadvantage of running early in a session because of the aggregate still reflects a slow lap time in first qualifying.

Some of the faster runners, such as Giancarlo Fisichella have found themselves severely handicapped by running early, and have then taken a couple of grands prix to climb back to the front-end of the grid.

Teams were also believed to be unhappy that the Sunday morning qualifying session made race day''s schedule far too hectic.

The current qualifying system has not just proved unpopular with the teams.

The fans have been vocal in their disapproval, particularly since in several countries the Sunday session has not been broadcast live.

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