Minor change to qualifying

The FIA has announced that qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix will follow the same format as in Australia with only a minor change to the time frame. The first session will start at 13.00, local time, and the second at 14.00, instead of immediately after the first. The change is to facilitate the television schedule.

If the teams unanimously agree to the revised schedule, it will be put to the Formula One Commission by fax vote. If in favour, and the World Motor Sport Council confirms it at a meeting on March 24th, the new timing schedule could be introduced as from the Bahrain GP on April 4th.

The format gives teams more time between sessions, the previous two-minute turnaround being a complaint for some. However, whether the system of both sessions taking place on Saturday will stay is yet to be seen. Some believe it makes qualifying far too long and the first session is pointless as drivers conserve the cars for the second, grid-deciding run.