Modification of qualification rules for Bahrain?

The FIA is therefore invited to change the rules concerning qualifications, in order to prevent the events that marred the Malaysian Grand Prix qualifications from happening again.

Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen were each penalized five places on the Sepang starting grid for obstructing other cars in the final seconds of the qualifying session. Both drivers were returning slowly to the pits in an effort to save fuel.

But beyond the sporting aspect of the situation, Nick Heidfeld and Fernando Alonso emphasized the danger of the cars that drive on the track at high speed while others are moving at a walking pace.

And it is the fear of accidents that explains these calls for a change in the regulations that could be applied as early as the next race in Bahrain to ensure that this situation does not happen again.

Robert Kubica from BMW-Sauber, who was one of the drivers to return slowly to the pits in the final phase of qualifying, stated that these modifications were necessary because he feared for his own safety.

« When I did that, I didn’t feel safe. Not only for the other drivers but also for myself, » he admitted.

« Saturday, this happened at a place where the track was very wide. But if this happens at a place without visibility, then it’s very dangerous. »

Honda Racing’s team principal, Ross Brawn, has also called for a change in the regulations.

« We should see if there is something we can do to prevent these problems in the future. »

« The drivers are in a difficult situation. They know they have to drive fast enough, but also know they have to save fuel. Where is this balance? »

Finally, Williams’ technical director Sam Michael added: « I think the drivers who were in this situation coped very well. All the cars stayed off the track as much as they could. The speed difference was huge. »

« I think something will probably happen in time for Bahrain. »