New qualifying on the cards
Formula One is on the verge of agreeing a new qualifying format after the present system came in for heavy criticism.
A new format for 2004 brought in two one-lap sessions for drivers, the first used to determine the running order for the second.
That has led to complaints from fans and teams, with just one car on a flying lap at any one time not considered sufficient entertainment.
Max Mosley, president of world governing body the FIA, announced earlier this month that changes were likely this season and team bosses met yesterday at the Nurburgring to decide on a new format.
Mosley prefers a one-hour free-for-all but teams have come up with a more complicated alternative.
The planned new format features two 20-minute sessions – with a 20-minute break in between – with drivers completing six laps in each.
Full details of the proposals are expected after practice for the European Grand Prix concludes later today.
