F1 qualifying: Another U turn as elimination format set for Melbourne

F1 has changed tack again, with the news in the paddock here in Barcelona that elimination-style qualifying is set to be rolled out from the Australian Grand Prix onwards, despite Bernie Ecclestone saying that there was not time for software to be written for timing and TV graphics.

A hybrid version of the old and the new looks to be on the cards and will be presented to the FIA World Motor Sport Council on Friday for approval.

The feeling is that we will have the elimination-style format for Q1 and Q2 and then the old system for Q3, with eight cars instead of 10 in the final shootout, but no elimination element.

The reason for the variant in Q3 is concern expressed by the team sporting directors in meetings yesterday that the top drivers may be running out of tyres at that point. With the new elimination system the fast cars will be obliged to use the faster tyre from the start of Q1 onwards, unlike in the past where Mercedes and sometimes Ferrari could get through into Q2 using only a set of the prime tyres, saving the faster ones for later.

Fans will be dismayed at the last minute flip-flapping and confusion over something so important as qualifying; the F1 strategy Group and F1 Commission agreed it last week, then at the weekend Ecclestone pronounced that the new system would probably be brought in from Spain onwards.

Now it looks like it's happening: "The idea is to mix up the grids and the teams will just have to cope with the new system in Melbourne and get on with it" said McLaren boss Eric Boullier during a lunchtime event on Wednesday with fuel partner Mobil 1.

"It is going to create more stress and more mess. So it will put pressure on drivers and teams. Any mistake will be paid for.