It would appear that serious changes are set to be put in place for the 2014 Formula 1 Qualifying system.
Although the three 'knockout' qualifying session layout will remain the same, the FIA are looking the review the final 'Q3' period which decides the Top 10 positions on the grid, due to a lack of running, which has proved to be disappointing for fans.
The reason behind the lack of running is due to drivers preferring to save extra sets of tyres for the race the following day, due to the high degradation of the Pirelli rubber. This also means that there are less miles put on the engines and gearbox, which the teams have to preserve due to a limitation that has been put in place by the Governing body.
Under normal circumstances, if the driver started further back on the grid, it would mean that they would more than likely struggle to obtain a strong result in the race. Pirelli's softer compound tyres mean that teams are able to work out a strategy that is likely to field a high points finish or podium using the set of tyres that they have saved.
However, the FIA are set to address the lack of running by adding new rules, whereby drivers who get through to the Q3 session will start the race on the tyres that they set their fastest lap on in Q2 if they fail to set a lap in the final session.
Furthermore, there are also proposals for the softer 'option' tyre to become the sole compound used for the final session as well as an increase from 10 to 12 minutes, which would result in Q1 being shortened from 20 to 18 minutes.
Drivers who do not make it through to Q3 will be given an extra set of 'option' tyres, which is designed to increase running in the Q1 and Q2 sessions.
A meeting will be held on February 21st in order for a verdict to be reached on the new proposals.
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