'Teams refuse to allow the FIA to close sprint race tyre loophole'

The FIA attempted to close a loophole in relation to the sprint tyre rules coming into force this weekend. The teams refuse to cooperate on a solution, report Motorsport.com.

Teams are required to use a certain type of tyre this weekend during 'shoot out' qualifying on Saturday, when the starting grid is determined for the sprint race. During SQ1, all drivers are obliged to use new mediums. This also applies to SQ2. In SQ3, all cars must be on new soft tyres. The FIA wanted teams to be obliged to keep a new set for these sessions but didn't apply this correctly when writing the regulations.

This means that all teams would now be allowed to use a new set of tyres, which they would not have to save up during other sessions. The FIA still tried to reverse the error, but this was refused by all the teams, which have an advantage as a result. This allows teams who expect not to reach SQ3 to have more space within the strategy by using an extra set of softs in Friday qualifying.