15/07/2004
NEWS STORY
In the days preceding the British GP there was talk that the qualifying format might be changed, following behind the scenes work by Bernie Ecclestone, who like many fans, loathes the current format. At the time, an FIA spokesman confirmed that before a change could be made the teams would need to agree, and there simply wasn't time to rush though any changes in time for Silverstone.
Following last week's debacle, when F1 drivers actually attempted to run slower than one another, Bernie Ecclestone joined fans in describing the current system which allows such 'gamesmanship' as mad and insulting.
Any thoughts that this might mean a new format being introduced in time for next weekend's German Grand Prix can be dismissed however, despite Mr Ecclestone's best efforts.
A spokesman for the FIA has once again confirmed that before any changes can be made, all the teams must agree, and that simply isn't happening.
FIA President, Max Mosley, who is stepping down a year early as a result of his infuriation with a bunch of team principals who cannot agree on anything, and who steadfastly refuse to put the sport before self-interest, wrote to the team bosses saying that with their agreement the format could be changed in time for next week's race. According to the FIA spokesman, only a few of the team bosses have even bothered replying.
Meanwhile, how awfully nice to see Autosport magazine, part of the mighty Haymarket publishing empire, putting its full weight behind the fans.
Responding to readers who complained about last weekend's qualifying shenanigans, the magazine's editor wrote: "Sadly, many of the media with swipe cards found it hilarious. The paying fans in the stands across from the press room were less than amused - and with good reason."
Since Haymarket also owns F1 Racing, Motor Sport and Motorsport News, are we to assume that none of its many journos were the sitting in press room sporting swipe cards and big grins?