THE opening rounds of the eighth season of Formula E got underway in Diriyah with the sport trialing a new qualifying system. Fans around the world have had their say on the format.
04/02/22
Being introduced for this season, the new format seeks to bring around more track action as well as giving every driver a chance to qualify well.
The new format features knockout rounds with drivers being seperated by only a few seconds on track and the driver with the fastest lap time progressing through to the next heat. The 22 drivers get whittled down to eight, then to four with the final consisting of two drivers battling it out for Pole Position.
A majority of the drivers reacted positively to the new system, including Polesitter's Mercedes EQ drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries.
Overall, there was generally positive comments from fans but there was a number who said that the TV coverage from the two qualifying sessions disrupted and confused them
In favour of the new system, Stefano Zinali said: "This quali system is by far the best quali system in Motorsport, now it's not enough to do just one fast lap, you have to be consistently fast to get high enough, more power to consistently fast drivers."
Another fan in favour was Steven Wood. He said: "Better than the old qualifying system that’s for sure."
However, there were fans like Reece Dickinson who wasn't swayed either way about the system. He said: "It’s okay. I wasn’t a fan of only really seeing one car live. And not actually knowing any of the order until the last shootout. Makes it a bit confusing working out where people will start if they’re not in the shootouts. I also think it’s going to make the series a lot more predictable."
Thomas Smets was glad to see the sport back in action but admitted the system was too long. He said: "Good races, like the qualifying format although a bit too long for my taste."
Overall, there was generally positive comments from fans but there were a number who said that the TV coverage from the two qualifying sessions disrupted and confused them.
With 14 exciting rounds left this season, it will give fans a few more chances to watch and quite possibly change their minds on the new system.
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