Re-introcuced for the 2011 season is the 107% qualifying rule.

This rule means that in qualifying, a car that has a fastest time more that 107% slower than the pole car will not normally be permitted to race.

A slower car may exceptionally be allowed by the stewards to race if they have set a suitable time in practise.

The other teams must also support re-inclusion, however in reality, the main teams want fewer cars on the track to provide competition / backmarker obstacles and it is expected to be rare that a slow car will be permitted to race.

Hispania Racing was not permitted to compete in the 2011 Melbourne Grand Prix because its time fell outside the 107% qualifying time.