F1: Wolff fears qualifying will disappoint again

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff is struggling to understand what Formula 1's second attempt at using its new 2016 qualifying format will achieve at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

F1 was accused of a knee-jerk reaction in criticizing the new elimination system that made its debut in the season-opening race in Australia earlier this month. Despite the matter being debated at Strategy Group and F1 Commission level last week, it ultimately failed to gain the unanimous support required for an immediate alteration from this weekend's race in Bahrain. It means the much-maligned set-up is to be given a second chance, with a further review to follow ahead of the following race in China.

"This weekend we will see the new qualifying system continue after a less-than-impressive debut in Australia," Wolff said. "The teams were unanimous in their opinion of it on Sunday in Melbourne, and it wasn't a positive opinion. We haven't found the right format with this change and it's hard to see how it might be more entertaining for the fans this weekend in Bahrain."

Wolff believes a careful, intelligent approach is required for F1 to make the right changes to the format.

"The sport is under scrutiny on this matter, so careful thought is required in order to make co-ordinated, intelligent steps forward from the position we are in right now," he added. "The fans want close racing, in a format they can understand, between the best drivers and cars in the world – in that order. We should be capable of delivering that to the people in the grandstands and watching around the world."

Originally on Autosport.com