Lap knock out during qualifying session

[mkw111]

I have this crazy idea that could change F1 qualitying and racing for ever.

Instead of the traditional qualifying session for example when there are 3 sessions and a number of cars have to beat the best time to continue to the next round, why not let all the drivers start at the same time for example:

- If there will be 26 cars next year or in the future, all cars could start qualifying together just like a normal race but the rules would be different then the race.

- there would be 26 laps to race because of 26 cars are on the track.

- last car who passes the finish line of a lap will be knocked out of the qualifying session and will start at the back.

- When the driver crashes or gets a penalty will also be eliminated and will have to start from the back.

- the only way to get the pole, the driver will have to survive the knock out race and win qualifying race.

This idea would really rev up F1 and more people would start watching the GP's because of the new qualifying session, the ratings would go up because no one would know who will start the race.

F1 is an inovation racing league and this would be beneficial because F1 would be the first to do this style of qualifying.

[ESPImperium]

Just leave it as is please. Its fine as is.

But if you really want to change it up, id make it that you have to complete a minimum number pf laps in each session to get your fastest time registered. Say 15 for Q1, 12 for Q2 and 9 for Q3, meaning that engines and gearboxes are streched to the maximum and the fans get to see more of the cars.

Or just revert to the old 1 hour open format for all, but each car must complete half the race distance to get their times registered for the session. Think about the action in that format. Hows about 26 cars out on track for 35 laps arround Interlagos for an hour???

[ackzsel]

It also means that they will have to do 26 laps on one set of tyres, since a pit stop means instant elimination.
Another problem I spot is that teams will estimate the best position they can achieve and fuel for that distance. The best teams which are aiming for the pole are very heavy at the start of quali compared to the "lesser" teams which are aiming for 10th or something. The top teams will have to block those lighter cars because they cannot let them go and risk being eliminated. It's gonna be a massacre : )

Now I think of it, I'm very interested in the strategies used IF this format would be used but ONLY as a mind experiment.

mkw111, I think this is a great format for a video game! I like it! Only not for Formula 1 or any real live motor sport that is.

[gator]

how would one determine the starting order for your proposed qualifying session?

[modbaraban]

how would one determine the starting order for your proposed qualifying session?

Bidding. Bernie would like it.

[ackzsel]

how would one determine the starting order for your proposed qualifying session?

Maybe by the finishing order of the last race. The starting order of the first race of the season can be determent be the last season driver championships standings.

[mkw111]

Drivers will have to tune their cars, set up tires and fill up their cars
(fuel for 26 laps) before the session begins.

The weight of each car can be modified so every car matches other car.

[bill shoe]

I like the idea. It would be nonstop action with someone new being eliminated every lap.

It would be very sensitive to starting order for qualifying. Ideally, there would be some kind of reverse grid order based on championship position. You would have (typically) the McLarens and Ferraris at the back going all out to pass the Renaults and Williams before the end of the first lap, etc. The new teams would start at the front followed by the Force Indias, etc.

Give the drivers an incentive to pass and I guarantee there will be passing. Actually, I think it would not work for qualifying because it would make the race look boring in comparison. But seriously, I like the idea. There is no stone tablet lying around that says motorized competition must feature all the competitors driving the same distance.

[i70q7m7ghw]

Instead of the traditional qualifying session for example when there are 3 sessions and a number of cars have to beat the best time to continue to the next round, why not let all the drivers start at the same time for example:

What part of the current format is 'traditional'? How old do you think the current format is?

Your idea is nice if Formula 1 was a computer game. In reality what your proposing wouldn't happen. Qualifying is about setting a time, the fastest man in the fastest car - It's not a destruction derby.

Or just revert to the old 1 hour open format for all, but each car must complete half the race distance to get their times registered for the session. Think about the action in that format. Hows about 26 cars out on track for 35 laps arround Interlagos for an hour???

They'd do one flying lap and then just cruise until another flying lap was needed. It would be very boring.

What's wrong with the current qualifying format?? If it aint broke don't fix it!

[ESPImperium]

Or just revert to the old 1 hour open format for all, but each car must complete half the race distance to get their times registered for the session. Think about the action in that format. Hows about 26 cars out on track for 35 laps arround Interlagos for an hour???

They'd do one flying lap and then just cruise until another flying lap was needed. It would be very boring.

What's wrong with the current qualifying format?? If it aint broke don't fix it!

True.

So leave it as is, but id make it that you have to do minimum ammounts of laps in each Quali session as it is. Get the cars out there, if Bernie & Max are wanting "F1 fo' Show" that would work as they are showing the cars and tallent off and not having them in the pits.

[machin]

So leave it as is, but id make it that you have to do minimum ammounts of laps in each Quali session as it is

Same Problem that Diesel pointed out: they'd do one quick lap and the rest slowly to conserve the engine/transmission...

Keep the qualifying as it will be for 2010 (i.e. like 2009 but low fuel in Q3)... BRING IT ON!!!!

[qw56q]

how would one determine the starting order for your proposed qualifying session?

Another qualifying session.

[Rob W]

It's a very pie-in-the-sky idea which couldn't work in practical terms.

If you just consider the objective of qualifying is to find the appropriate starting order of the race based on merit over, basically, one lap then how could basically holding another entire race (half the distance of some GPs) be a practical idea?

The idea is to find out which cars can do an unimpeded, single lap the fastest.

[machin]

Ok.... so IF you really want to force the cars to stay out for more laps, and ensure they go as fast as they can for those laps here's what you do:

Change the rules so that the grid order is determined by the driver who can cover 5 (for example) continuous (i.e. one after another without stopping) laps in the quickest time; that way you quarantee that the driver's have to do 5 FLAT-OUT laps, no cruising just to make up the number.


Only problem is that it would mean there'd be more chance of having your "run" affected by slow traffic/accidents etc.... personally I say just keep to the current "fastest single lap" format... if that means a driver can do it in three laps (out-flying-in) then so be it!

[gator]

how would one determine the starting order for your proposed qualifying session?

Another qualifying session.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking!