Ecclestone is no fan of the new system

The much-criticised twin-session format was introduced at last month's season-opening Grand Prix in Australia.

Any fresh change needs the approval of all 10 of Formula One's teams.

Ecclestone said: "I am sure we will change it, but it will be difficult to do before the end of the year unless everybody agrees."

The F1 boss has tweaked the system ensuring only the single-lap battle for grid positions is televised and not the laps that determine running order which precede it.

But, speaking ahead of Sunday's inaugural Bahrain GP, he said: "I'm not happy with qualifying at all. It is better than it was for TV but it is no better for the public."

Ecclestone wanted team chiefs to agree to change the system.

This is a 'Michael regulation' and I don't blame Ferrari for not agreeing to change it Bernie Ecclestone

But he could not get a unanimous decision, with Ferrari objecting because the current set-up benefits six-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Ecclestone added: "The problem for us is that we are operating a democracy so we have to get everybody to agree and it's not possible.

"Ferrari stopped things going through in the way we proposed because at the moment it is the best possible position for them.

"I said when they wrote the regulations that this is a 'Michael regulation' and I don't blame Ferrari for not agreeing to change it."

The system is seen to work for Schumacher because his Bridgestone tyres are regarded as better than the Michelins of rival teams in cooler temperatures.

The drawn-out nature of the twin session means the German usually runs later.