Ex-Jaguar team leader Niki Lauda called the back-to-back qualifying system the "worst thing" he'd ever seen. "I don't know how intelligent people can think of things like this," he said.
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| Ex-Jaguar team leader Niki Lauda called the back-to-back qualifying system the "worst thing" he'd ever seen. (Photo: Planet-F1.com) |
The first qualifying session saw teams juggled strategically for optimal positioning, based on concerns about rain on race day, with only Minardi and a few back-packers seeming to be pushing their various cars' full-out limitations. The procedures were so lackluster that F1's top brass even voiced the need to make radical changes before Malaysia's race next weekend.
Renault chief Flavio Briatore confirmed that the team bosses would be getting together to discuss altering the system, "possibly in time for the Malaysian Grand Prix."
"Something can be done quickly if we all say 'yes, do it'," the Italian team leader said. "Only the stupid never change their minds. Then again, this is very stupid."
On the subject, BAR boss David Richards put forward an innovative idea that proposed a free-for-all session could take place for thirty minutes before a single-lap dash for the grid.
Ecclestone is said to favor a return to the 1-hour long free-for-all qualifying, something that the majority of long-term F1 fans would unanimously agree was more entertaining overall.