Flash.(Formula One's third qualifying session will now last 15 minutes.)(Team Penske recovering from June 28 flooding at its Reading, Pennsylvania, headquarters.)(Carlin Motorsport has fired American driver Colin Fleming.)

F1 qualifying modified

Formula One's third qualifying session, previously 20 minutes long, will now last 15 minutes. Why? The 10 drivers who survive the first two 15-minute knockout sessions must go out on track for the final pole-position battle with the fuel load with which they will start the race. So far this year they have spent the first few minutes cruising around to burn off fuel to take weight out of the cars. It is boring to watch and presents a bad image at a time when F1 wants to be seen as environmentally responsible. The change is scheduled to be in effect for French Grand Prix qualifying July 15.

Penske dries out

IRL front-runner Team Penske is digging out from June 28 flooding at its Reading, Pennsylvania, headquarters. The Schuylkill River adjacent to the shop rose above the shop walls, soaking the facility. Staff members were prepared for two feet of water and mud, but got four. The race equipment was saved, but time ran out to remove major machinery.

The team has temporarily moved to a facility Roger Penske owns in nearby Exeter, Pennsylvania. Last fall the company announced a plan to move the Indy car team to Penske's large NASCAR shop in Mooresville, North Carolina, later this year.

Patrick to NASCAR?

Danica Patrick's parents attended the Chicagoland NASCAR race as guests of Roush Racing, and it wasn't just a weekend getaway. T.J. Patrick, Danica's father and manager, told the Orlando Sentinel, "I'm trying to get her here [into NASCAR].'' Patrick's contract with Rahal Letterman Racing expires at the end of this year.