Although Bernie Ecclestone told Pitpass several weeks ago that it was likely that the qualifying format for 2006 and beyond would feature a knock-out process - the second of two options given to race fans in a survey run by his website, formula1.com, there is still confusion as to precisely what format will be in place next season.

The drivers have suggested to the FIA that they would prefer a format similar to the current one, but with drivers completing two flying laps on low fuel, as opposed to the fuel load they start the race with. Also, the drivers have recommended that the running order of the qualifying session should be based on Saturday (second) practice session times rather than the finishing order of the previous Grand Prix.

However, as previously reported by Pitpass, there is a need to address the issue as soon as possible as changes to the format will have a knock-on effect on the design of the cars, and time is running out if a new format is to be introduced for next season.

Talking in Istanbul at the weekend, McLaren boss, Ron Dennis, warned that a decision is needed soon if designers are take into account possible changes needed to accommodate a new qualifying format.

"We have missed the point at which we could instruct our designers to design a car in respect of fuel tank capacity that would have the range capability that would be the result of qualifying with low fuel," he told reporters.

Although he wouldn't comment on either the knock-out format or the drivers' suggestion, Dennis acknowledges that a change is needed, however, he is unsure that the change is needed at this point in time.

"There is a complete acceptance that we can improve qualifying," he said. "There is a desire to make it better but my opinion is we have had some of the finest races this year... and part of the reason we have had those races is because of qualifying.

"I think we should be extremely careful that if we try to address the issues of qualifying we might destroy some of the ingredients which have led to great racing," he added.

"The real solution is the entire package of changes that are designed for 2008."

However, Dennis is in agreement with the drivers regarding the way that qualifying order is based on the results of the previous race, effectively twice punishing drivers who have retired from an event.

"One thing where we all completely agree, every single team, is on carrying the penalty of failure in a grand prix forward to the next race," he said. "We have got to find a solution to stop that.

"We think the failures are team failures and the drivers are being unfairly penalised. We want to come up with a way to avoid that penalty."