The FIA have announced that the 107 per cent rule will return to qualifying sessions next season.
It was first introduced in 1996 to ensure that slower cars wouldn’t start the race, therefore impeding the quicker cars. However, it was later scrapped in 2002 when the format for qualifying changed to a single lap.
With the introduction of three new teams in 2010, there have been several issues regarding traffic in qualifying and the race. Things are set to get worse in 2011, when another new teams joins the grid.
A statement released by the World Motor Sport Council read: “From 2011, any driver whose best qualifying lap exceeds 107 per cent of the fastest Q1 qualifying time will not be allowed to take part in the race.
“Under exceptional circumstances, however, which may include setting a suitable laptime in a free practice session, the stewards may permit the car to start the race. Should there be more than one driver accepted in this manner, the grid order will be determined by the stewards.”
