Ferrari team principal, Stefano Domenicali, has called for a change to the regulations which resulted in four cars not going out to set a timed lap during qualifying in Japan.
It’s been the case at several other races this season, as drivers settle with their top-ten position as they look to save tyres for the race.
Domenicali says, whilst it’s legal and make sense for some cars, it isn’t good for what is ultimately poor entertainment for the fans.
“Once again today, as has happened before during this season, we have seen cars – no less than four in Q3 – give up on doing a flying lap,” he said after qualifying.
“Far be it for me to criticise those who made this choice, which is absolutely respectable from a technical point of view, I think it shows something is not right in the way qualifying is run and we should give it some careful thought for the future, because I don’t think it’s such a good thing for the spectators in the grandstand, who, I must say here are amazing in the way they make you feel their passion for Formula 1 and for those who are watching on television.”
Pirelli motorsport boss Paul Hembery agreed, and said his companies suggestions to change the rules, in regards to supplying more tyres for Saturday, were rejected by the teams.
“Not good for fans is it,” he wrote on Twitter. “We made some proposals that were rejected by teams, maybe they were not perfect and [we] await suggestions from teams too.
“We will try again next week [to convince them otherwise]. It is complex but we are willing to find a solution for fans, teams and Pirelli.”
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