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FIA reintroduces F1 qualifying rule ahead of Japanese GP
FIA race director Niels Wittich reintroduced the maximum time limit for all Formula 1 qualifying laps before the Japanese Grand Prix due to drivers backing up on the final sector of the lap, leading to potential collisions. This rule was applied to every lap in qualifying, not just in-laps as usual. The previous Singapore Grand Prix had dropped the “all laps” rule, resulting in a close call in Q1 and Max Verstappen’s summons to the stewards. Wittich confirmed the reintroduction of the “all laps” rule at Suzuka for the safe and orderly conduct of the event. However, drivers can present evidence to the stewards to avoid penalties if they have valid reasons for exceeding the maximum time. The specific lap-time for Saturday at Suzuka will be confirmed after the second practice session on Friday.
Source: RacingNews 365
