F1: Todt says GP format ideas not 'a step forward'

FIA president Jean Todt says suggestions put forward so far for changes to Formula 1's grand prix weekend format have not been "a step forward."

It has recently been suggested F1 should become a two-day program, notably as Friday practice can sometimes be limited depending on conditions.

While Todt confirmed talks have been held on how the current three-day schedule could be changed for the better, so far such thoughts have come to nothing, not least because the race promoters have to be in agreement.

"With as many people as we have, and as many ideas as we have, it is something we have been discussing," said Todt. "But so far we haven't had any proposal we have found to be better than the existing situation. If there was a proposal that clearly demonstrated it was a step forward then we are not against it.

"Also, I'm not a promoter, and you must look at it from a promoter's point of view because they are the ones who finance the weekends. Every time you say to a promoter, 'Shorten your race weekend,' they are against it."

Todt held up the recent Mexican Grand Prix as a clear example of what can be achieved as 85,000 fans turned out on Friday to welcome F1 back to the country after a 23-year absence.

"Look at Mexico on Friday – and of course it depends on which circuit you are at – but look at the enthusiasm and how happy they [the fans] were there was a show," said Todt. "Sometimes I feel there should even be a bigger program for them. But as I say, so far we have not had a proposal that is better than what we have now."

Suggested to Todt the Formula E one-day event model was perhaps something that could be replicated, the Frenchman explained why that works for FE, but would not do so for F1.

"We have to be careful with Formula E. It's a great category, but this technology is being showcased in cities, and that is very important," said Todt.

"It is fascinating to see Formula E in the heart of Moscow, Red Square, and maybe people don't realize what a privilege it will be to have a race next year in Paris, next to the Eiffel Tower. That is fascinating. It demonstrates what a new technology like electric cars can do.

"But, as it happens in a city, you cannot block Paris or Moscow for three days, so you do it for one – which explains why it has a specific format."

Originally on Autosport.com