It was a spokesman for the FIA that first advised Pitpass - in late 2006, shortly after Mike Lawrence's excellent article - that Formula One is 'carbon neutral' and has been for almost ten years.

The whole issue of carbon neutrality, carbon trading and carbon offsetting is a murky (forgive the pun) business, and though on paper Formula One will appear to be doing its bit, many will claim that the burning of fossil fuel in the name of sport is hardly what one might describe as eco-friendly.

That said, the FIA, along with the manufacturers, is working on the green issue, so there is long term hope.

Naturally we at Pitpass care about the planet, it's our home, it's our readers' home, our loved ones' home, our only home.

Therefore wouldn't it be a positive step to look (again) at the current qualifying process?

Surely, in Melbourne, when the ten drivers begin the final phase of qualifying, assuming that Jenson and Rubens are amongst them, it is going to seem at odds with the sport's grand eco claims when the commentator reveals that the drivers - including those at the wheel of the 'myearthdream' Hondas are entering the ten minute fuel burn off stage.

Somehow it doesn't sound right, does it?