No revamp for F1 qualifying

Formula One chiefs have rejected plans to revamp the sport’s qualifying rules.

The current one-lap shoot-out has been criticised by Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who claims it is not exciting enough.

Fans and broadcasters are also unhappy with the process, which sees just one car on track at any one time.

After suggestions from Ecclestone, teams came up with a revised system which would see two 25-minute sessions in which drivers would have to complete a total of 12 laps.

But world governing body the FIA have today rejected those proposals during a Formula One Commission meeting at Heathrow, with qualifying for next month’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone to retain the current format.

Silverstone was to be the first track to feature the new system – designed to give viewers and spectators a more interesting Saturday qualifying.

The FIA are believed to be concerned that a new format would cut the television exposure for smaller teams, an issue raised some weeks ago by Minardi boss Paul Stoddart.