FIA to do away with Sunday warm-ups

Formula One bosses have issued an official grand prix schedule incorporating controversial changes that include scrapping Sunday…

Formula One bosses have issued an official grand prix schedule incorporating controversial changes that include scrapping Sunday warm-ups.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) published the official timetable for the 16-race season today following a vote by the FIA's Formula One commission and world motor sport council.

It confirmed the new single-lap qualifying format, with hour-long sessions on Friday and Saturday, and abolished the Sunday warm-up which allowed teams a half-hour run to fine-tune settings before the race.

The timetable includes, for the first time, a special two-hour Friday morning slot for those teams who have agreed to limit testing during the season.

The changes are designed to liven up races after a season of dwindling television audiences and Ferrari domination.

Williams and McLaren, two of the wealthiest teams and fierce rivals on the track, joined forces yesterday to challenge the then proposed changes.

The teams accused FIA president Max Mosley of 'dumbing down' the sport and said they would go to arbitration to challenge the manner in which the measures had been introduced.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter