The FIA has outlined a raft of new regulations and amendments approved by the F1 Commission at a recent meeting in Geneva.
The World Motorsport governing body has formally explained the new elimination procedure tabled for qualifying alongside changes to the bodywork of cars and cockpit protection from 2017 onwards.
As reported yesterday a new qualifying format could be introduced from the start of this season if approved by the World Motor Sport Council.
The elimination concept sees the slowest driver eliminated at 90 second intervals during the three qualifying segments, eventually leaving two drivers to battle it out for pole position in Q3.
The new format displayed below has already attracted criticism from drivers.
Q1
• 16 minutes
• After 7 minutes, slowest driver eliminated
• Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag
• 7 drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2
Q2
• 15 minutes
• After 6 minutes, slowest driver eliminated
• Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag
• 7 drivers eliminated, 8 progress to Q3
Q3
• 14 minutes
• After 5 minutes, slowest driver eliminated
• Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag
• 2 drivers left in final 1 minute 30 seconds
New bodywork regulations have been agreed which will see the 2017 cars built to wider specifications.
Increased downforce is expected to improve speeds and see lap times reduced by up to three seconds.
The finalisation of the sporting and technical rules has been postponed until April 30.
Coupled with the changes to the regulations for 2017, the FIA has also confirmed that the sport intends to introduce a form of cockpit protection from next year.
“All stakeholders are working together to make this a reality, with the ‘Halo’ concept (designed and researched by Mercedes) currently the preferred option,” read a statement from the FIA.
“Other options, such as transparent cockpit protection, will continue to be evaluated.”
The Commission claims it has also made significant progress in addressing the rising costs and increasing the noise of the new turbo charged power units.
The F1 Commission also approved the introduction of a ‘Driver of the Day’ award aimed to produce more fan engagement.
The intention is for fans to vote for their ‘Driver of the Day’ with the winner announced at the end of the race.
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