Coulthard considers qualifying as fairer

David Coulthard stated that he will not miss the excessive use of fuel during the final qualifying laps that occurred last year.

A reduction in the duration of the last qualifying session (Q3) from 15 to 10 minutes, coupled with the fact that teams are no longer allowed to refuel after Q3, means that fuel wastage will be a thing of the past in 2008.

And this initiative was well received by Coulthard, who was far from satisfied with the first 10 minutes of Q3.

« I think it was a waste of time, and almost an insult to the fans to see the cars on track with the drivers at the wheel at only 80%, » said Coulthard.

« Having a qualifying session where drivers are on the track at barely 80% and the main goal is to burn fuel is not very environmentally friendly. In this 10-minute session, all we do is emit CO2. »

The changes made to this part of the qualifying session may lead to more pit stops next year. At least, that’s what BMW-Sauber’s technical director Willy Rampf thinks.

« It is possible that next year, there will be a trend towards a higher number of pit stops, » Rampf indicated.

« There is a regulation where we can no longer refuel after the final part of qualifying. The amount of fuel you put in the car for Q3 will be the same at the start of the race. This could lead to more pit stops and avoid having a very heavy car in Q3. »