Why the 107% Rule?

[touringlegend]

After a few races this year, which have resulted in some cars not qualifying, why is there a 107% rule? Isn't this rule silly, or is it a very clever safety rule, so faster cars don't lap the slower ones too much? Is it to try and bring the cars up on a level platform?

[AndyF]

I think the 107% rule was introduced to discourage teams from competitng in substandard equipment at this level. It would have been possible for a team to race a car that fitted the regulations that was many seconds slower each lap.

[francis]

Not so much sub-standard equipment - more sub-standard "pay" drivers

[paulzinho]

or both... in the past when there were 35 odd drivers trying to qualify they needed up to scrach equipment because only 26 raced.

When the fields dwindled the 107% rule was brought in to keep the lesser teams on their toes.

I think thats right.

[Jeanburrasca81]

The 107% rule is pretty important. As you said it makes it impossible for the really slow people to run. Unfortunately we didnt have the rule when Deletraz was running for Pacific...lol

Best regards,

Julian

[racer69]

The rule was introduced in 1996 to stop teams lapping soemthing like 10-15 seconds a lap slower. Remember the Pacific's, Forti's and Simtek's from 1995, they were that far off the pace, and something needed to be done. I also think Bernie wanted to lift the teams games.

[jiggly_puff]

i think its a dumb rule - coz the cars that don't qualify are normally just let into the race anyway?!!!!!!!

[paulzinho]

Only in exceptional circumstances.

Marques wasn't allowed to race earlier this year.

[jiggly_puff]

yeah but its still breaking the point of the rule so why have it

[paulzinho]

well if a substantial number of cars don't qualify because it rained it detracts from the spectacle.

[jiggly_puff]

ok then is the rule there for entertainment or safety then???

[laxman]

I think it depends on how you look at it.I for one would love to watch alonso race even if he were 15 seconds a lap slower to schumacher.On the other hand, if you notice, this year's minardi would have qualified somewhere near the pole last year.So it does do its job in pushing the teams to go faster.I think there is no harm in having it.

laxman

[Robert]

Originally posted by jiggly_puff
ok then is the rule there for entertainment or safety then???

I think they let the cars in because if the circumstances had been normal, then they would have qualified, so there was no safety concerns in letting them in. After all the cars concerned were within the 107% until JPM posted that fast lap with dry tyres on. However when Marques DNQ'd earlier on in the season, it was because his car, or his driving wasn't up to the job, this does raise safety concerns. You have to draw a line somewhere but there also has to be some flexibility in the drawing of that line.

Robert

[touringlegend]

So, basically it's to make the teams actually work harder which in my view equals more money, but I suppose no one wants really slow cars.

[jiggly_puff]

No i think a rule is a rule....and should be kept to whatever the circumstances! otherwise there is no point in it!

[AndyF]

Perhaps the 107% rule is a little strict, it normally catches out several drivers each season, who have proved themselves otherwise capable of performing. It also destroyed Lolas chances of a return to F1, but who knows, if they had qualified, the team could have progressed?! What about Toyota for next season?! I think that 110% maybe more appropriate.

[Jeanburrasca81]

I think 110% is too much. if Toyota isnt fast enough to run in F1 they should wait one more year..but we will see anyway what they will do when they get the new car.

Best regards,

Julian

[BootsOntheSide]

Don't know about you, but if Toyota fail to qualify, they'll be able to hear my cheers in Japan! I'm fed up of big businesses sabotaging racing by treating is as their private test bed.