FORMULA One is changing its qualifying format for next season, and has also voted to allow tyre changes during races in 2006.

The revisions were agreed to yesterday at a meeting of the Formula One Commission in London. The F1 commission also agreed to consider a new rear-wing design that could be brought in as early as 2007.

However, the F1 commission failed to make a breakthrough in negotiations with the five main manufacturers - Renault, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, Toyota and Honda. They make up half of the current F1 grid, and are planning a breakaway series beginning in 2008.

Under the new format, qualifying in 2006 will be held in three phases. The five slowest cars will drop out after the first 15 minutes, and five more will depart after the next 15.

The remaining cars will compete in a 20-minute session for the top spots on the grid. Single-lap qualifying was used this season.

Qualifying has been changed regularly in recent seasons, in an effort to give smaller teams more TV time and shake up the starting grid.

The most radical change - a new rear wing that is designed to make passing easier - was introduced yesterday by FIA president Max Mosley. The president of the world governing body also proposed a return to slick tyres and wider wheels in 2007.

The FIA and F1 commercial director Bernie Ecclestone have made some concessions to keep the breakaway teams in the fold.

Reports suggest Ecclestone has agreed to give teams between 60 to 70 per cent of Formula One revenue. As recently as 2003, reports said teams received about 23 per cent of F1's commercial rights income.

However, the manufacturers say the main sticking points are how the FIA is governed, special veto rules it grants to Ferrari, and the FIA's refusal to take disputed cases to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.