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F1 set for knockout qualifying

24/10/2005

Knockout qualifying will be introduced into Formula One next season.

It is hoped the three-phase system will boost excitement for television viewers and consequently the interest surrounding the sport.

The Formula One Commission decided on the new rules in a meeting in London on Monday.

As a result of the ruling, five cars will drop out after the first minute session, followed by another five after the second stint.

The remaining ten cars will then compete for pole position in a final 20 minute session.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed the changes, which represent the latest in a long line of alterations to the format since the introduction of the single-lap system in 2002.

Paul Stoddart, the outgoing head of Minardi, is far from enthusiastic over the decision to alter qualifying once again.

"Five changes in as many years...I just worry about trying to educate the public why we go ahead with ten cars in the last 20 minutes," said Stoddart speaking to Reuters TV.

"Formula One is blessed that it has 180 odd million people watching it every two weeks and I don't think we ought to mess with things too much."

A second qualifying round was introduced on a Sunday in the 2005 season, only to be scrapped after six races.

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