The 107% rule is a sporting regulation affecting Formula One racing qualifying sessions. During the first phase of qualifying, if the circuit is dry, any driver who is eliminated in the first qualifying session and fails to set a lap within 107% of the fastest time in that session will not be allowed to start the race without permission from the race stewards. For example, if the fastest Q1 lap time was 100 seconds, each driver who is eliminated in the session must complete at least one lap within 107 seconds to guarantee a race start.
The 107% rule was introduced for the 1996 season and remained in force until 2002. It was reintroduced for the 2011 season with minor modifications due to the knock-out qualifying format.
The Arrows team deliberately failed to qualify for the 2002 French Grand Prix due to financial problems.
A Formula One Grand Prix is a sporting event which takes place over three days, with a series of practice and qualifying sessions prior to the race on Sunday. Current regulations provide for two free practice sessions on Friday, a morning practice session and an afternoon qualifying session held on Saturday, and the race held on Sunday afternoon or evening, although the structure of the weekend has changed numerous times over the history of the sport. Historically, the Monaco Grand Prix held practice on Thursday rather than Friday, and the whole schedule for the Las Vegas, Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix is brought forward by one day. At most Formula One race weekends, other events such as races in other Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) series, such as Formula 2 or Formula 3, are held.
Kimi Räikkönen at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the qualifying for 2005 United States Grand Prix.
Formula One cars wind through the infield section of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the race for 2003 United States Grand Prix.