Formula 1 "could force its fastest cars to start from the middle of the grid to improve racing," according to the AP. Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner said that the reverse-grid proposal is expected to be made by F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone "in a meeting between series stakeholders in Geneva." The top qualifiers "would be dropped on the grid to keep them from pulling away early," in a bid to try to make F1 more "attractive to fans and television audiences." The changes could be in effect as early as '17 "if an agreement is reached." Horner said that Ecclestone was "quite keen on" the reverse-grid proposal. To push drivers in qualifying, "points would be awarded to the top qualifiers, and the pole winner would keep the honour statistically." The rule "is used in many other series," including the GP2, considered F1’s second-tier series. Horner said that double points for the final race and other chances "would also likely be discussed in Geneva." Horner: "Let's see what happens. (Ecclestone) wants to shake things up a bit. He is a promoter" (AP, 2/22).
LAST CHANCE: REUTERS reported under Formula 1 rules, changes for '17 can be passed by majority vote until March 1 "but must be unanimous after that." With team bosses "rarely agreeing unanimously on anything, that would mean any changes being delayed for another year." Ecclestone "limbered up for the meetings with highly critical comments about the way the sport had evolved." In an interview with the Daily Mail, Ecclestone said that F1 was "the worst it has ever been." Horner, who is close to Ecclestone, understood his frustration but suggested this was "an ideal opportunity" to do something about it. Horner said, "It needs to be constructive and positive so we have a clear direction for the future, because sitting here right now I am not sure what that direction is." McLaren Racing Dir Eric Boullier, speaking separately, suggested that Ecclestone "was reacting to declining television audiences as the sport moved increasingly toward pay per view and away from free-to-air." Boullier: "I got amused at first, but I understand his frustration" (REUTERS, 2/23).
