Formula 1/ "Sprint race" changes the format, to increase the spectacle on the track...

2023-04-26 09:20:24, Sport CNA

Formula 1/ "Sprint race" changes the format, to increase the spectacle

Formula 1 continues to add luster to its program. Motorsport's top category will launch a new sprint format this weekend in Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the fourth Grand Prix of the season. The objective: fewer tests, more qualifications and always more spectacle.

The sprint race format was inaugurated in 2021. The new formula will be about the six sprint races of the season. "This will enhance the spectacle (…) and improve the action on the track for fans around the world", the FIA ??said in a joint statement with the Formula 1 promoter, a few days before the first sprint weekend of the season.

Drivers will carry out just one free practice over the weekend (Friday), followed by "classic" qualifying during the day, which will determine pole-position for Sunday's Grand Prix.

Saturday will be dedicated to the sprint. Drivers will take to the track for a second qualifying session, called the "Sprint Shootout", shorter than the previous day, which will determine the starting order for the sprint race on the same day. At the end of it, only the top eight drivers will get points, as was already the case.

In addition to Azerbaijan, the new format will also be used in Austria (July 2), Belgium (July 30), Qatar (October 8), the United States (Austin, October 22) and Brazil (November 5).

According to the FIA, the new format "will give drivers more incentive to go hard on Saturdays". Until now, the drivers measured the risks taken during the sprint to secure their position on the grid for the main race. The race becoming an independent event will no longer have an impact on the GP starting grid.

Good news according to Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari manager. "I'm not a big fan of FP2 (free practice 2), sometimes it's a bit boring," the Ferrari boss said at the beginning of April. Beyond the lack of spectacle, teams were no longer able to freely modify their cars from Friday's qualifying. "Trying to have something more dynamic during the weekend is a good decision", added the Frenchman.

With these sprints, F1 looks to cash in further throughout the weekend, both in the stands and in media coverage, as during a classic GP, two free practice sessions are organized on Friday, a third and final one on Saturday before qualifying that determines GP network discussed the next day.