Berger calls for change

Berger wants to see the return of Friday qualifying

More overtaking and Friday qualifying sessions would boost interest in Formula One, according to ex-driver Gerhard Berger.

Berger, now working with the BMW-Williams F1 team as BMW's motorsport director, said his proposals would boost the flagging interest in the sport.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA), motorsport's governing body, recently announced a nine-point action plan aimed at making the sport more exciting.

We must bring about races in which it is not certain from the outset who will be the winner

Gerhard Berger

F1 has seen its audiences on television and at the circuits decline in the wake of Ferrari's dominance this season.

Berger, who drove for Ferrari, McLaren and Benetton during his 13-year career, agrees that something must be done to boost the sport's image.

But the Austrian believes that only a few of the FIA's suggestions are viable.

"The thing that needs to be done now is to put down in writing various approaches, and to have people who know the business select those that advance our sport."

Berger said bringing back Friday qualifying sessions would definitely help.

"We must aim to bring about races in which there is a lot of overtaking and in which it is not certain from the outset who will be the winner.

"Everybody is aware that Friday is too dull and should again become part of qualifying."