The new 'Elimination' style session was announced during the first pre-season test last week after it was agreed by the teams that racing needed to be more unpredictable.
However due to the short notice of its implementation, FOM (Formula One Management) wouldn't be able to implement the system until the Spanish Grand Prix in May, due to the complexity of the timing systems needed.
Discussions at the meeting became heated between the drivers as they believe that qualifying doesn't need changing as to improve the racing.
Force India driver Sergio Perez after the meeting said, " We are obviously not very happy with the new plans they want to implement.
"We felt that it could be very complicated for the fans to understand - it's complicated for us already.
"We also felt that qualifying is really good at the moment and there is no reason to change that."
F1 owner Bernie Ecclestone supported the move which he believes will give the fans more excitement and enjoyment from the sport, “The idea really is that it will be the same as qualifying in wet conditions. Maybe one or two of the ‘hotshots’ aren't going to make it (to the front). So we won't see the obvious change at the front of the grid.”
It is also understood that Ferrari have changed their opinion on the new format, having said today that they are now against it, having been in favour of the elimination style qualifying last week.
Qualifying will still be split into three parts but will now feature an elimination element in an attempt to provide a mixed up grid for race days.
Q1
-16 minutes duration;
- After 7 minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated;
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;
- 7 drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2.
Q2
- 15 minutes duration;
- After 6 minutes, slowest driver eliminated;
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;
- 7 drivers eliminated, 8 progress to Q3.
Q3
- 14 minutes;
- After 5 minutes, slowest driver eliminated;
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;
- 2 drivers left in final 1 minute 30 seconds.
The final elimination in each session occurs at the chequered flag – not when time is up.