Drivers push for split quali in Monaco

[John S]

I suppose it makes sense with the tailenders only just managing to stay ahead of GP2 lap times this year. I think Flavio might be right when he said "Is it worth spending £40 million on new F1 cars that are only 1 or 2 seconds ahead of GP2 cars.

ITV-f1.com, Today

Formula 1 drivers from both ends of the grid hope that the FIA will consider splitting the field into two groups for Q1 in Monaco to avert what could be a traffic nightmare.

With the entry up to 24 cars for the first time since the Q1/Q2/Q3 format was introduced, and larger speed differentials from front to back than have been the case for many years, there are fears that qualifying on Monte Carlo's narrow streets will turn into chaos.

"I don’t think it’s a bad idea [to split Q1], as I think having 24 cars on the circuit is going to be tricky," said championship leader Jenson Button.

"And it’s not just that it’s 24 cars, we do still have cars that are six seconds off the pace.

"So it’s going to be very tricky to get a lap, and we might find a quick car getting knocked out of Q1."

His team-mate Lewis Hamilton agreed.

"It's already been very, very close and very difficult to find a gap in qualifying in the past couple of races, so Monaco would be virtually impossible to get a clear lap I imagine," he said.

"I think it would be a sensible move [to split into groups]."

Jarno Trulli admitted that he would find it hard to stay out of the title contenders' way in his off-the-pace Lotus in Monaco.

"I think it's very hard for me that I'm slow as well as for the guys in front that are very quick," he said.

"Maybe they should say, just for once in the season, 24 cars, we don't want to have problems, get the agreement of all the teams, and split it.

"It's better to sort it out before rather than making a big mess.

"I am slow, so I'm going to probably impede someone else.

"The guy which I have impeded, he's probably going to get me back, it's a bit like this."

Red Bull's Mark Webber doubts that any of the absolute front-runners would get caught out, but saw the logic of splitting the session.

"You could have a couple of big scalps where guys might not get a clear run," he said.

"But you would think it might more affect guys who are on the bubble and need two or three really clear laps.

"A lap for a fast guy that might be mediocre or semi-mediocre might still get you through.

"We know the guys driving the cars which are a little bit slower are still on the limit, they're doing their stuff, but they have nowhere to go there.

"It's blind, you can come up on someone very, very fast.

"A split session is something I wouldn't be in favour of, but it could be beneficial.

"It could help, but I think we could get on with it."

[Jericoke]

As a fan, I say 'no'.

If this mixes up the grid, drops a few front runners to the back where they might have to pass to win, I say 'good'.

Qualifying is NOT about having the best car, but about having the best lap.  If you can't find a way to get a decent lap in 20 minutes, hire better spotters. 

(I wouldn't be against adding 5 minutes to Q1 to give everyone one extra chance.)

[Scott]

Me too.  I like the Q format just how it is for Monaco.   

[cosworth151]

I'm with Jeri & Scott. Let the chips fall where they may!

[Williamsfan]

I am going to be boring and agree with everyone.  Why not have some good cars sent to the back?  They have no divine right to be occupying the front grid slots for each race. 

[Scott]

The teams have to unanimously agree to it...so there is no chance.   

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/83401

[David]

The cookie will crumble as it will IMO. No need to change Quli!!

[Ian]

I'm sickened by this proposal, there has always been faster and slower cars, if they can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen. Some of these drivers are acting more like football prima donnas.

[Williamsfan]

Really well said Ian!

[SennaMan]

I'm sickened by this proposal, there has always been faster and slower cars, if they can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen. Some of these drivers are acting more like football prima donnas.

yeah, that's right; most of 'em ARE F1 prima bella donnas

[Jericoke]

I'm sickened by this proposal, there has always been faster and slower cars, if they can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen. Some of these drivers are acting more like football prima donnas.

Well, they do bring it up as a safety issue... a lot of blind corners at Monaco.  As a safety issue, we can't dismiss it out of hand.

But still, if you're worried about a crash, slow down, problem solved.

Having active spotters is a key part of NASCAR (as though it's tough to see anything on an oval!?), why not F1?

[Scott]

Having active spotters is a key part of NASCAR (as though it's tough to see anything on an oval!?), why not F1?

I think we talked about this before, but the main difference is that in NASCAR it's one or two guys on the grandstand roof with binoculars in constant contact with the driver.  It could work in F1 at Indy (ironic), but most other tracks have no place where you can see the entire track from one place.  Having a team of spotters would be hellish to deal with on the radio, and way too confusing for everyone.

[Jericoke]

Having active spotters is a key part of NASCAR (as though it's tough to see anything on an oval!?), why not F1?

I think we talked about this before, but the main difference is that in NASCAR it's one or two guys on the grandstand roof with binoculars in constant contact with the driver.  It could work in F1 at Indy (ironic), but most other tracks have no place where you can see the entire track from one place.  Having a team of spotters would be hellish to deal with on the radio, and way too confusing for everyone.

Surely a couple of guys at the blind corners of Monaco during qualifying wouldn't be that big a challenge. 

[Scott]

Every corner is blind in Monaco.

[Ian]

I don't want to see anybody get hurt, but think back to the days of Clark, Hill, Moss and even earlier, those guys were driving death machines and they never asked for split quali.