MOTORSPORT: Big changes for F1 qualifying
Formula 1 qualifying sprint race to be trialed at three GPs this yearGrand prix fans will get a two-for-one deal at three races this year thanks to a massive change to Formula 1 qualifying.
A 100km Sprint Qualifying race will be run on Saturdays as a trial for a full-scale switch for season 2022.
Finishing positions in the Sprint will set the grid for the Grand Prix itself but will also pay points to the top three finishers – 3, 2, 1 – as an added incentive for success.
The plan has been approved by the world governing body, the FIA, as part of moves by Formula 1 to spice up the show and draw younger followers.
“We are excited by this new opportunity that will bring our fans an even more engaging race weekend in 2021,” said the newly-appointed president and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali
“Seeing the drivers battling it out over three days will be an amazing experience and I am sure the drivers will relish the fight.
“I am delighted that all the teams supported this plan, and it is a testament to our united efforts to continue to engage our fans in new ways while ensuring we remain committed to the heritage and meritocracy of our sport.”
The format for the three trial weekends will be:
FRIDAY
Free practice 1: 60 minutes, two sets of tyres
Qualifying for Sprint Qualifying: five soft tyre sets
SATURDAY
Free practice 2: 60 minutes, one set of tyres
Sprint Qualifying: 100km, two sets of tyres
SUNDAY
Full-distance Grand Prix with two remaining sets of tyres
As yet, there has been no confirmation of the three trial races, but two will be in Europe and one outside Europe.
There are many complicating factors in the plan, including tyre allocations for wet sessions and restrictions on which parts can be changed over a race weekend.
F1 said the biggest changes are to prevent teams from building special qualifying cars for Saturdays, to limit the number of hours required for preparation work and to allow enough tweaking for Saturday morning’s free practice to be worthwhile.
From the start of Sprint Qualifying, some minor tweaks will be allowed, including weight distribution in the cars and changes to cooling inlets and outlets, provided there is a 10-degree temperature change between the start of Friday’s qualifying and the first race.
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