After much debate in recent years, due largely to the smaller number of cars entered, the Indianapolis 500 qualifying sessions are to be cut back to a single-weekend event in 2010.
Since 2005, the top 11 places have been decided on Pole Day Saturday, positions 12 to 22 on the Sunday afterwards, then the final 11 spots the following Saturday before non-qualifiers attempted to get back into the field on the final Bump Day.
That format had received some criticism on cost grounds and because it required the teams at the back of the field - invariably those with the smallest budgets - to make the most qualifying attempts and cover more practice mileage.
Starting in 2010, Pole Day and Bump Day will both be within the weekend of May 22 and 23.
The Indy Racing League has not yet revealed the precise qualifying format or how many positions will be decided on each day.
Practice for the 2010 Indy 500 will commence on May 15 with the rookie orientation programme, followed by six days of full-field practice. The race is set for May 30.
photo:IMS - Dana Garrett
Since 2005, the top 11 places have been decided on Pole Day Saturday, positions 12 to 22 on the Sunday afterwards, then the final 11 spots the following Saturday before non-qualifiers attempted to get back into the field on the final Bump Day.
That format had received some criticism on cost grounds and because it required the teams at the back of the field - invariably those with the smallest budgets - to make the most qualifying attempts and cover more practice mileage.
Starting in 2010, Pole Day and Bump Day will both be within the weekend of May 22 and 23.
The Indy Racing League has not yet revealed the precise qualifying format or how many positions will be decided on each day.
Practice for the 2010 Indy 500 will commence on May 15 with the rookie orientation programme, followed by six days of full-field practice. The race is set for May 30.
photo:IMS - Dana Garrett