New qualifying format for 2006!

[Ed]

Bernie Ecclestone is pushing for a new qualifying format for 2006. It consists of 3 sessions. The first 2 are 15 minute sessions where the slowest 5 are knocked out in each session and take postions 16-20 and 11-15 on the grid. The final 10 drivers fight it out in the final session which is proposed to be 20 minutes. Those 10 drivers will not have the option to refuel before the race while the first 10 will be allowed to refuel.

The teams, the FIA and Bernie are expected to discuss this on Monday however some teams are said to be against this proposal and would rather stay with the current format for next season.

[JayVee]

Sounds like this format could be exciting. Given the duration of the sessions, it sounds like everyone will be out on the track at the same time!I still don't like the no refueling bit though!!
It will still make qualifying non indicative of the true pace of driver/car. Besides we could start seeing top teams deliberatley starting from 11th on full fuel load.
Toyota and Honda would always take the front rows

[Julian Mayo]

It sounds like another load of Bernie Bollocks, desperate for tv revenue from qualifying to me. The top ten get more track time, more data for the race, and the minnows get lapped earlier in the race. Woohoo.

[adz_619]

we need the original 1 hour format back!!!!..

All these new formats are just making the sport more boring, the 12 lap format was more exciting and really proved who was is the fastest...

[GhoGho]

Seems like qualifying will be revised (hopefully for the better) and tyre changes will be allowed again. (a good thing in my book!)

http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/en

[Ed]

Thanks GhoGho,

Following the F1 Commission meeting on Monday, a new qualifying system will be introduced in 2006. The new system will consist of 3 short sessions. The first 2 sessions will be 15 minutes each and the slowest 5 cars from each session will be knocked out forming positions 11 to 20 on the grid. The final 10 cars will run for 20 minutes to decide positions 1 to 10.

Tyre changes will be allowed and will also be allowed in the race (no more single tyre races).

More specific details on this format will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

[JayVee]

This sounds exciting! Qualifying on low fuel for a number of laps is the way to go. I hope this is the case!

But why are they allowing tyre changes during the race ? This has to be a Ferrari/Bridgestone plot. If you can't beat them, change the rules

But the Michelins will still win next year. Alonso The Cute is with them

[Julian Mayo]

This sounds exciting! Qualifying on low fuel for a number of laps is the way to go. I hope this is the case!

But why are they allowing tyre changes during the race ? This has to be a Ferrari/Bridgestone plot. If you can't beat them, change the rules

But the Michelins will still win next year. Alonso The Cute is with them

.

HAH! 10 of your favourite alcoholic beverages to 10 of mine that Midge does not win the WDC next season.
To be consumed the first Monday after the title is decided. Venue of your choice.
Or you could just buy me 10 drinks now and save yourself a lot of fretting.
Or are you going to factor in inflation over the period of time, indexed to every other stat you can find ?

[JayVee]

Save your drinks for something better!! I don't think I've lost a bet this year

The season has jsut finished and you are already writing off people!!!!

Until testing gives us some idea, one has to assume that Renault and McLaren will continue to dominate next season.

As for now I'll continue enoying The Cute's success

[Julian Mayo]

Save your drinks for something better!! I don't think I've lost a bet this year

The season has jsut finished and you are already writing off people!!!!

Until testing gives us some idea, one has to assume that Renault and McLaren will continue to dominate next season.

As for now I'll continue enoying The Cute's success

ahem, I believe there is a small matter of some roubles, and pesos still outstanding. My banker eagerly awaits your remittance.

[JayVee]

Save your drinks for something better!! I don't think I've lost a bet this year

The season has jsut finished and you are already writing off people!!!!

Until testing gives us some idea, one has to assume that Renault and McLaren will continue to dominate next season.

As for now I'll continue enoying The Cute's success

ahem, I believe there is a small matter of some roubles, and pesos still outstanding. My banker eagerly awaits your remittance.

Me

Roubles sounds like SGD , Pesos, don't know any Mexicans here

You sure

Please point me to the appropriate thread

[Julian Mayo]

Now don't start that. Your conscience should guide you to the early thread, possibly even pre-season.
Clue: It included a conversation about exchange rates.

[Ed]

The World Motor Sport Council approved the new qualifying format as well as the tyre regulations.

Here are more details regarding the 2006 Qualifying format as announced by the FIA:

All cars are permitted on the track. At the end of the first 15-minute period the slowest five cars can take no further part in qualifying. These cars will make up the last five grid positions in the order of their times, the fastest occupying 16th position.

The times for the fifteen remaining cars are reset for the next session. At the end of the second 15-minute period the slowest five cars can take no further part in qualifying. These cars will make up the grid in positions eleven to fifteen in the order of their times, the fastest occupying 11th position.

The times for the ten remaining cars will be reset for the next session. For the final period, lasting 20 minutes, the cars will be arranged on the grid in positions one to ten in the order of their times, the fastest occupying pole position

Cars will be under parc ferme conditions from the time they enter the track for the first time during qualifying until the start of the race. Changing tyres and adding fuel will no longer be part of the parc ferme regulations

Fuel may be added to cars at any time during the first 40 minutes of qualifying and any car eliminated during the first two periods may then be refuelled at any time until the pit lane opens for the race. Teams will be required to fill cars taking part in the final 20-minute period with the amount of fuel with which they intend to start the race. Any fuel used during the 20-minute period may be replaced before the start of the race.

If 22 cars are eligible to take part in the Event, six cars will drop out after each of the fifteen minute periods leaving ten for the final 20 minutes. If twenty four cars are eligible to take part in the Event, six cars will drop out after each of the fifteen minute periods leaving twelve for the final 20 minutes.

And regarding the tyres, next season, each driver will be allowed 7 sets of dry weather tyres for the race weekend. Tyres used for qualifying and the race must be of the same specification however unlike the 2005 season, a driver is permitted to change tyres at anytime during the race.

[JayVee]

Fuel may be added to cars at any time during the first 40 minutes of qualifying and any car eliminated during the first two periods may then be refuelled at any time until the pit lane opens for the race. Teams will be required to fill cars taking part in the final 20-minute period with the amount of fuel with which they intend to start the race. Any fuel used during the 20-minute period may be replaced before the start of the race.

Huh! This is very confusing!!

What is the purpose of this ? Why not allow refuelling at the end of the session. Can someone explain ?

[Julian Mayo]

Fuel may be added to cars at any time during the first 40 minutes of qualifying and any car eliminated during the first two periods may then be refuelled at any time until the pit lane opens for the race. Teams will be required to fill cars taking part in the final 20-minute period with the amount of fuel with which they intend to start the race. Any fuel used during the 20-minute period may be replaced before the start of the race.

Huh! This is very confusing!!

What is the purpose of this ? Why not allow refuelling at the end of the session. Can someone explain ?

Probably best if no-one does. Too much information might cause you to tip incorrectly