Formula 1 will test 62-mile sprint qualifying races at three Grands Prix this year – and championship points will be offered to the top three in each race.
The idea was unanimously approved in a vote by the FIA Formula One Commission, and this season’s three-race test will be used to assess the format’s wider rollout for next season.
The races will take place this season in two European events and one non-European. Although unofficial, the British Grand Prix in July is expected to host the first qualifying race, with another for the Italian Grand Prix. The Brazilian GP was also set to use the format, but the Covid-19 situation in the country means it is not clear whether this event will unfold.
F1 bosses believe the sprint qualifying events will increase track action and “ engage fans in a new and innovative way. ” The races will take place on Saturday afternoon and will be used to establish the starting grid for the Grand Prix the following day.
According to F1 bosses, the event’s format was designed to balance “rewarding drivers and teams on merit” while allowing riders to work their way into qualifying races. The first of each qualifying race will receive three championship points, the second and third receiving two and one respectively.
The three qualifying races will consist of a 60-minute practice session and a “normal” qualifying session on Friday. Saturday will feature a 60-minute practice session in the morning, and the 100 km (62 mile) qualifying race in the afternoon. Sunday will include a Grand Prix over the entire distance.
Teams will have a choice of two sets of tires for Saturday’s qualifying race and two more sets for Sunday’s Grand Prix. To prevent teams from using special “qualifying cars”, Parc Ferme conditions will be applied from the start of qualifying on Friday, with only a few essential modifications allowed from that point on.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-26 16:13:23
