Qualifying schedule change proposed 17 Mar 2004
Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has released a proposal for a minor change to the Grand Prix qualifying schedule which could come into effect for the third round of the championship in Bahrain.
In a statement the FIA said that in order to facilitate TV scheduling, it has been requested that:
i) the qualifying procedure should begin at 13.00 local time instead of 14.00; and
(ii) qualifying proper (ie for the grid) should begin at 14.00 local time rather than immediately after the end of the timed laps which determine the order in which cars qualify for the grid.
If the teams agree unanimously to this revised schedule, it will be put to the Formula One Commission by a fax vote. If the Commission is in favour and the World Motor Sport Council confirms the decision at its meeting on 24 March, the new schedule could be introduced from the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The FIA added that in all other respects, the qualifying procedure would remain unchanged and that qualifying at this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix will be exactly as in Melbourne.
