Symonds on the up side of reverse grids

Although F1 purists are against the idea of reverse grids, Pat Symonds says it would at least force F1 to introduce cars that are designed for overtaking.

This year's championship, perhaps more than in previous seasons, has seen Formula 1 personnel and drivers voice their opinions on the sport's regulations, both technical and sporting.

The latter saw a change when F1 bosses opted to introduce an elimination system in qualifying. However, that failed to produce anything but criticism and after two races was axed.

The failed trial has once again raised questions about whether a reverse grid system would work in Formula 1, although the mere thought of it has the purists up in arms.

Symonds, however, reckons at least one good thing would come out of a reverse grid as it would force F1 to adopt technical regulations that promote overtaking.

"It would [help]. What you need is an incentive," the Williams chief technical officer told Sky Sports F1.

"The incentive we have in all motorsport is try and put our car on pole and lead every lap of the race. That's what your design aim is. So you don't worry too much about running in turbulent air.

"Now, if you turn things round a little bit, and say 'no matter how good your car is, it's going to be running in turbulent air because we're going to put it in the middle of the grid', you might then say 'actually the best racing car I can make that will ultimately be the most successful over a season is one that is quick in nice clean air, but also works well in turbulent air'."

Symonds, though, admits technical bosses would probably find ways to ruin rivals' aerodynamics in the process.

"Unfortunately, being racing people, we'd also probably work on trying to destroy the aerodynamics of the car behind us!" he added.