F1 set to change start time of grands prix

Formula 1 is poised to make its second significant change to its grand prix weekend programme ahead of the 2021 season, GPFans Global understands.

The sport has already decided that for this year there will only be two hours of free practice on a Friday, split across two one-hour sessions, compared to the previous three of past seasons.

Sources have indicated to GPFans Global that F1 is also now set to revert back to race start times on the hour rather than 10 past, with European events, in particular, to begin at 2pm rather than 3.10pm as has been the case for the past three years.

The switch to 10 minutes past the hour starts was made ahead of the 2018 campaign as new owners Liberty Media felt it would better suit television programmers as well as increase viewing figures.

The belief was the vast majority of companies would be able to start their broadcast on the hour and would therefore benefit from a 10-minute lead time into a race.

Similarly, it was also felt a later race start for European events would also benefit TV broadcasters and audiences.

It has become apparent over time, however, that the benefits are minimal, and for the teams especially there has actually been a detrimental effect as the later race starts has had a knock-on effect with regard to the finish time for post-race pack up.

It is understood the teams have backed F1's proposal which is expected to be ratified shortly.

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