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bobby · 03-07-2006, 07:57 PM

Qualifying
One of the biggest and most anticipated changes affects qualifying. A shootout format replaces the almost universally criticized one-car, single-lap system. This is intended to shake up the grid as single-lap qualifying often did, yet bring back the excitement and gunslinger nature of the one-hour, 12-lap, fastest-man-standing system used until the end of 2002. Here’s how the new knockout format works:

Part I

All 22 cars may run unlimited laps during the first 15 minutes of a one-hour session. Afterward the six slowest cars can no longer participate; they will make up the last six grid places according to their times.

Part II

Times are reset after a five-minute break, and the 16 remaining cars compete in another 15-minute session with no lap limitation. The six slowest cars are eliminated again and fill in places 11 through 16.

Part III

Following another break, the times are reset for a final 20-minute, unlimited-lap shootout between the 10 remaining cars. This group decides pole position and the top 10 grid positions.

The catch

Cars may run with any amount of fuel in the first two 15-minute sessions. Cars eliminated after these two sessions may refuel to any level ahead of the race.

Also, with the two-race-per-engine rule still in effect, the bottom 12 cars will put fewer miles on their engines.

The top 10 drivers must start the final 20-minute session with the fuel load they intend to start the race with. (Could starting 11th for a top team be an advantage?) Each car will be weighed before it leaves the pits, and the fuel used during the session may be replaced at its conclusion.

But because teams must start the session with their race fuel loads, and cars go faster as fuel is burned, you can expect teams to run more laps to lighten the fuel load. This also may see some teams compromising their race strategy for the sake of a good start position, and piling up excess mileage on their engines.

03-07-2006, 07:57 PM	#24 (permalink)
bobby Super Moderator Location: 18,000+ posts on TFP #1,2,3,4 and 5,but I'm not counting!	Qualifying One of the biggest and most anticipated changes affects qualifying. A shootout format replaces the almost universally criticized one-car, single-lap system. This is intended to shake up the grid as single-lap qualifying often did, yet bring back the excitement and gunslinger nature of the one-hour, 12-lap, fastest-man-standing system used until the end of 2002. Here’s how the new knockout format works: Part I All 22 cars may run unlimited laps during the first 15 minutes of a one-hour session. Afterward the six slowest cars can no longer participate; they will make up the last six grid places according to their times. Part II Times are reset after a five-minute break, and the 16 remaining cars compete in another 15-minute session with no lap limitation. The six slowest cars are eliminated again and fill in places 11 through 16. Part III Following another break, the times are reset for a final 20-minute, unlimited-lap shootout between the 10 remaining cars. This group decides pole position and the top 10 grid positions. The catch Cars may run with any amount of fuel in the first two 15-minute sessions. Cars eliminated after these two sessions may refuel to any level ahead of the race. Also, with the two-race-per-engine rule still in effect, the bottom 12 cars will put fewer miles on their engines. The top 10 drivers must start the final 20-minute session with the fuel load they intend to start the race with. (Could starting 11th for a top team be an advantage?) Each car will be weighed before it leaves the pits, and the fuel used during the session may be replaced at its conclusion. But because teams must start the session with their race fuel loads, and cars go faster as fuel is burned, you can expect teams to run more laps to lighten the fuel load. This also may see some teams compromising their race strategy for the sake of a good start position, and piling up excess mileage on their engines. __________________ "Life goes on,within you,and...with out you !" xoxoxoo