New F1 qualifying system confusing-FIA chairman
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-25 09:48

PARIS, Dec 22 (Reuters) - FIA chairman Max Mosley believes the new knock-out qualifying system imposed in Formula One will make the pre-race sessions confusing for the public.

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"The qualifying system for the races in 2006 is going to be very tough to understand," Mosley was quoted as saying in an interview published on Thursday by sports daily L'Equipe.

"I think that the public is going to be just like me when I watch an Amercan football game. I can watch it. It's a great show but I don't have the slightest idea about what's happening," he said.

"It's very annoying. I knew that qualification based on the fastest lap were not much fun for the public in the stands. But on television it was really good. You knew exactly what was going on," he said.

Formula One has switched to a new system for 2006 after much debate over the single-lap format which was introduced at the end of 2002 to replace the previous free-for-all session.

According to the new rules, five cars will drop out after a first 15-minute session and another five after a second stint.

The remaining 10 will then fight for pole in a 20-minute final session.

The previous system, with each car running alone against the clock, was much criticised by teams.

Sunday qualifying was introduced this year and then abandoned after six races following protests.

"At least the public will know who is the fastest driver as the times will appear on a board," Mosley said.