New qualifying format set to be introduced

It was confirmed that Formula 1's new qualifying format would be implemented in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

The new format will still see the three qualifying periods, with Q1 to run for sixteen minutes, with the slowest car eliminated after seven minutes, and then every 90 seconds thereafter until fifteen remain to head into Q2.

The second period is to run for fifteen minutes, and will follow the same process as Q1, with the first driver to be eliminated after six minutes until eight remain.

For the fourteen minute Q3, the first driver will be knocked out after five minutes, with the session continuing until only the man on pole is left standing. There were concerns as to whether the software required to run this format would be ready but it is now understood that FOM have announced that it t could be ready in time for the race at Melbourne's Albert Park.