Why the new qualifying format could be a success

At the Imola Grand Prix, which literally fell into the water, Formula 1 was due to try out a new qualifying format. Pirelli boss Mario Isola outlined the benefits of the new plan.

During Q1, drivers would only be allowed to use the hard tyre, where in Q2 the mediums would be put on and in Q3 they would be allowed to drive on the softest rubber. Speaking to Formu1a.uno, the Italian elaborates on the new plans. "I believe in the new qualifying format not only because it should help bring fewer tyres, about 160 less, but also to broaden the options ahead of the race."

More options for strategy

This is because of the number of tyres available. With the new format, teams will have three sets of hards, four sets of mediums and also four sets of softs available over the entire weekend. He believes it will affect not only qualifying, but the entire race weekend. "Now, to keep some Softs for Qualifying, the teams return Mediums and Hards during the FP and in the race."

Since teams will now have to use the hard tyre and medium compound during qualifying, more use of softs may be made during free practice and the race, which in turn could produce interesting new strategies. After all, most of the harder compounds have already been used and are therefore no longer new.