F1 Saturday sprint races set for Thursday vote

Formula 1 teams are set to vote on Thursday on plans to trial sprint races at three weekends this year.

F1 commercial rights holders Liberty Media has been investigating methods to shake up the qualifying format for some time now with the suggestion of reverse grid sprint races previously considered and ruled out by teams.

However, GPFans has learned a new scenario has gained the favour of the paddock, one which would see second practice replaced by a qualifying session to set the grid for a Saturday sprint race, with the outcome of this race determining the grid for the Sunday Grand Prix.

The sprint race would be one-third distance of a full Grand Prix, approximately 100km [63 miles], with discussions on whether to award points in this race to be had on Thursday in a meeting of the F1 Commission.

Also to be considered are regulations surrounding tyre strategies for the shorter races - teams currently required to run a minimum of two different compounds in a standard dry race.

As well as to preserve the importance of the Grand Prix itself, the shorter distance would ensure a race could be completed in the one hour slot usually reserved for qualifying.

It is understood F1 aims to trial the new format at the Canadian, Italian and Brazilian weekends this year.

For the change to be made, a 'super-majority' will be needed to pass the motion in Thursday's vote. GPFans has learned of the 30 votes to be cast, 28 must be in favour of making the change.

If the trial is successful, it is expected the format will become the new normal from the 2022 season onwards.

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