The new system is scheduled to be introduced for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix later this month, despite concerns aired by Formula One Management regarding its implementation due to software issues.

The first session will last 16 minutes with the slowest driver eliminated once seven minutes have lapsed. Subsequently the slowest driver is eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag leaving 2 drivers in the final 1 minute 30 seconds.

With 15 drivers left in the running, a 15-minute Q2 session will then take place with the next slowest driver knocked out after six minutes followed by six more at 90-second intervals.

The race for pole position will begin in Q3 - which will last 14 minutes - with the first elimination coming after five minutes until the fastest two are left to battle it out for top spot in the final 90 seconds.

In its WMSC statement the FIA said: "In accordance with the FIA Formula E Championship Technical Roadmap - the objective of which is for each driver to be able to complete the current race distance with the use of only one vehicle - the Formula E Committee and the Electric and New Energy Championships Commission will proceed with two calls for tender".

There was talk this week that the initial proposals could even be modified again after F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone expressed reservations over whether it would be ready in time for Melbourne. The drivers will be on track at the beginning of each period of the session (Q1, Q2 and Q3).

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After days of uncertainty and back-and-forth over the format, reports on Friday claim that motorsport governing body is pressing on with the original proposed change.

Spaniard Alonso, a two-time champion, said: "I am sad for the sport because it does not look right from the outside when in one week we change the qualifying format three times".

Last week reigning champion Lewis Hamilton said he didn't think the changes would make a great difference. Ecclestone, who also made it clear that it was not his idea and that he preferred some form of handicap to shake up grids, said that the new system would have to wait until Spain in May. We feel that the qualifying at the moment is really good.

"The decisions lately, it is fair to say it is lacking leadership".

"I don't think that it is right".

"In principle I agree it doesn't look very nice, it's not a picture we're used to in Formula One", Vettel said.


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