Qualifying has been given a new look for 2016, with a live elimination format being introduced for the new season. Instead of seeing a group of drivers eliminated at the end of two sessions before a top-ten shoot-out, the slowest driver will now be eliminated every 90 seconds after a certain point. That process will continue until only two remain in a shootout for pole.
The sessions will go as follows:
Q1: 16 minute session. After seven minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated, a process which continues every one minute 30 seconds thereafter until chequered flag. Seven drivers eliminated.
Q2: 15 minute session. After six minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated, a process which continues every one minute 30 seconds thereafter until chequered flag. Seven drivers eliminated.
Q3: 14 minute session involving the remaining eight cars. After five minutes the slowest driver is eliminated, a process which continues every one minute 30 seconds thereafter, resulting in two drivers in a battle for pole position in the final one minute and 30 seconds.