F1 Indian Grand Prix‘s qualifying session G. Noida

G. Noida/New Delhi

An exciting and spectacular qualifying session of the Formula one Indian Grand Prix race at Greater Noida kicked off a short while ago. AIR correspondent covering the event reports that the qualifying session of one hour duration is split into three distinct parts, each with multiple drivers on track simultaneously running as many laps as time permits. Qualifying-1 will last for 20 minutes; Second from 2-27 to 2.40 pm and last one will start at 2.50 pm and will end at 3.00 pm. For years F1 qualifying was a one-hour session with all Cars running simultaneously and the fastest driver taking pole position and the second fastest taking second position. Since there was a limit on laps and tires, the fastest cars would not go on the track at all until the last minute, and then take the top position. In 2003, the FIA made qualifying system a two hour single lap shootout, where each driver ran a single timed lap alone. That was eventually reduced to one hour, but still it failed to excite, except when the strongest driver made mistakes. In 2006, F1 came up with an exciting system. It had one flaw-the first 10 minutes or so of the last session were spent with cars doing nothing but turn laps to burn off fuel, before the real competition began in the few last minutes. That was fixed in 2008 when the last session was changed to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, Force India F1 team is pleased with its preparation for its maiden home race, but its driver Paul di Resta feels the two Drag Reduction System, DRS, zones on the newly-built Buddh International Circuit may make life a little difficult for them tomorrow. DRS is an option which enables overtaking, can only be used by the chasing driver when he is at least one second behind the front car. But in spite of the system, both the Force India drivers -- Adrian Sutil and Resta -- did well in the practice sessions on Friday, managing top-10 places. In yesterday's practice session, Felipe Massa emerged the fastest for Ferrari at the sport's newest circuit. Englishman Lewis Hamilton of McLaren-Mercedes, however, had the worst possible start, collecting a three-place grid penalty for ignoring warning flags after setting the quickest lap in the first practice session. Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel was second in both sessions. The final event will be held tomorrow.