Qualifying could change AGAIN for 2009

How about a 10K Iron man contest in between the sessions. Lets see who is really in shape. I say 1 10 lap race to set qualifying. Full tanks and then start the race on whats left. No pit stops and if you wreck you start on the pit lane. No point for pole.

Points only to those who finish 2nd or worse.

Title decided by wins only.
You win the most races you win the title.

Also the driver doing the best on Strictly Come Dancing gets an extra year on his contract and pole starts for each week he is still in contention as a dancer.

 

Being pedantic, FOTA is meeting on Dec 4th - If they agree, then they'll present it to the FIA.

It actually sounds like a reasonable idea to me - In short (from Autosport):

I reckon you'd have to allow 'em a few "warm up" laps first, but it could be cool I think.....

Cheers,
Ian

 

So basically it would be a 14 + ? laps free for all. It's interesting to say the least. I certainly don't dislike it but, I'm not sure I'm on board with it either. I think this format would certainly help Kimi. That, I'm all for.

 

That's not the way I read it - My take is everyone goes out (we'll leave any "warm up" laps aside for now) - Everyone crosses the start and records a lap time. If you're the slowest, you're done for the day. Everyone else continues, and after 1 more lap, if you're the "suckiest", you're "outta there!"......

You don't have to be fastest, just not slowest..... (I presume previous "fast laps" still count!.... ) - Eventually, after 14 laps, 14 cars are gone -> Fresh rubber and go for it..... NO friggin "fuel load BS" - That I really do like.

Cheers,
Ian

 

I smell Bernie.....

 

Sounds like knockout in Need For Speed...

 

I say make them all play quarters the night before the race, and the last man standing has pole.

 

sounds good!

 

That would mean Kimi having the pole in every race. I like that.

 

How about going back to the oldskool way. What's wrong with the oldskool way? How is this randomness cost effective? They used to be limited to 12laps giving them 4~ runs to get fastest lap. Running as light as possible thus using less fuel.

They can keep Parc Ferme but I want fastest on the day not fastest based on tomorrows strategy. Alot of Pole's were lost to other drivers that didn't deserve them due to this nonsense.

I know I know, how about they all just run over Bernie and Max during the offseason.

 

yea..i 100% agree. problem with that format was, the teams, i.e. Ferrari, Mclaren, only came out the last 5 mins of the session, then everyone complains about 'traffic'

 

WTF?! That was MY idea! I'll find the thread...Damn idea-thievin' bastards!

 

In the really "old" days they could whatever the hell they wanted - 20 laps if they wanted/needed to.... Trouble there was, the track was basically empty for the first 3/4 of the session (been there, done that - watching an empty track is *really* boring!) That's the basic reason they started "messing" with quali - To "improve the show".......

I'd also like to see 'em do away with parc-ferme - Not a return to qualifying cars, but why the hell shouldn't they be allowed to change stuff (wing angles, ride height and fuel load etc). And, let 'em run as light as they want and refuel before the race - I fail to see any way this stupid rule "improves the show".

My 02c,
Cheers,
Ian

 

Agreed, still make them go out there for the knockout qualifying sessions to keep cars on the track, but get rid of all the regulations that don't allow the cars to be changed at all and get rid of that stupid race fuel load rule.

 

Whatever they decide, I hope for one that there is clear and precise consistant steward rulings, ones that as fans we can understand, and there be no grey area.

If it aint broke, why fix it.

 

+1

Isn't the subject of "permanent" stewards on the agenda soon as well? [Dec 4th maybe?]

But, IMHO, it *is* broke - *IF* FOTA agree (always doubtful, as the evil pygmy knows all too well) we'll see the fastest 6 cars for a minimum of 14 laps. Up to at least 20 (timed) laps for pole - That's not counting in & out laps and any "warm up" laps...... The more I think on this, the more I really do like the idea......

Cheers,
Ian

 

Yes Ian, I debated putting why fix it!, and on the whole the scheme looks appealing I agree, it's just when Max get's his twisting mits on it and takes the credit, that bit worry's me.

 

MadMax is welcome to the "credit" if that's what it takes IMHO.

However, as I alluded to earlier, the FOTA agreeing to *anything* unanimously is pretty rare..... Hopefully, for once, they can "stand united" against the crazies running the show. We'll see. [The "single engine supplier" debate seems to have cooled for the moment, which has to be good?]

Cheers,
Ian

 

I like this idea!

Be sure all drivers hit the track on a full fuel load and truly fight for the pole. None of this waiting until the last 5 Minutes BS. Eliminations until the last 6, then a fastest lap of the final 6 gets the pole. Start the race with what fuel remains. That would be a show. Maybe it would get some of these drivers to really put forth some harder effort and fight for it.

 

Hmm - I believe they'll be allowed to refuel before the race. Or at least before the "pole shootout" with the fastest 6 maybe? - Which is fine with me, other than that "+1".

It does bring up a question though - If I'm Force India, chances are I'm not going to last more than a couple of laps - I'll fuel for 4-5 and hope for the best!... Which might be "interesting" in and of itself.........

Cheers,
Ian

 

What about this idea--the bottom 6 teams in points can run 3 cars. This would increase the points potential and change who gets to run three cars race to race. It could add some excitement to the middle of the grid.

 

I saw this format used in Chad Read's Super X series in "the land downunder". 30 start, last 5, drop out and so on, until the Top 5 are left for the final.
Super X is spectacular and noisy, but it's no formula 1
To adopt the "Eliminator" style of qualifying would destroy the tactical Element of fuel loads and pit stops, ( God I miss Ross Braun )
And I hope we dont get the flame throwers and fireworks as Massa crosses the finish line, 30ft in the air

 

Supercross is INSANE, I saw some highlights on Sunday and they were interviewing an injured driver... ON THE TRACK!