The FIA has announced that the regulation regarding its Q2 starting tyre rule has been abolished for the 2022 Formula 1 season.
For several years, F1 drivers who made it into the Q3 segment of qualifying were required to start Sunday’s grand prix on the tyres they used for their fastest laps in Q2.
This often led to the faster teams advancing through on the Medium compound, giving them a strategy advantage for the race.
However, in the updated sporting regulations published by the FIA on Friday, the segment has been struck through, indicating that it has been axed for the upcoming season.
It is believed that drivers will have a free tyre choice for the start of each race, as was the case last year during the ‘Sprint’ events during the campaign.
Pirelli’s F1 tyres are expected to perform somewhat differently this year, as 18-inch wheels are used for the first time.
Extensive testing took place on the tyres throughout 2021, and teams were provided with them at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
Wow, an actual GREAT rule change. Terrible how the top 10 drivers where forced to start on used tires.
I think they should have held off on this change for a year to see how close the field runs under the new regulations. This decision may have taken away the jeopardy for the leaders of having to pit before they have a clear window over the midfield and putting themselves deep into the pack, for a time at least.