Qualifying tweaks coming for F1

Word on the street is that F1 qualifying changes will be introduced this coming season in an effort to get all of the top-ten cars out on track during the Q3 session.

The tweaks, which were discussed and approved by F1's Strategy Group when it met on Friday, aim to prevent cars that qualify for Q3 from saving tires for the race. Some drivers would opt to remain in their garages for Q3, saving rubber and also giving themselves a free choice of either compound.

Now, those cars will start the race on the tire they used in Q2. Furthermore, Q1 will be reduced from 20 to 18 minutes while Q3 will be lengthened from 10 minutes to 12, to give drivers more time to complete two timed runs.

The changes need to be approved by the FIA's World Motor Sport Council before being introduced in time for the season-opening Australian GP on March 16.