Qualifying changes get Formula 1 teams approval

A change to the format of Qualifying in Q3 has been approved by Formula 1 teams.

In a bid to make the third qualifying session of Saturday more entertaining and worthwhile to fans, Formula 1 teams met to discuss how they could stop drivers opting to sit out Q3 in order to save tyres for the race the next day.

The proposed revisions were discussed on Friday at the F1 Strategy Group meeting and have been approved for discussion at the next level.

The revisions include:

— Drivers will start races on tyres used in Q2 as opposed to Q3.
— Extra tyres will be provided for Q3 only.
— Q1 will be reduced from 20 to 18 minutes.
— Q3 will be lengthened to 12 minutes.

The matter will now be passed to the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council for formal ratification in time for the Australian Grand Prix in two weeks’ time.

It is assumed that the World Motor Sport Council vote is only a formality at this point, as FIA President Jean Todt has already stated that he fully backed the proposed changes.