Formula 1 bosses are considering trialling 'sprint races' instead of the traditional qualifying format, shaking up long-held traditions of how the F1 race grid is assembled, according to reports.
Since Formula 1's inception in 1950, race grids have always been decided by the drivers who set the fastest laps across one or multiple qualifying sessions.
More recent efforts at mixing the grid up, such as 2016's much-maligned and overly complex system involving drivers being eliminated every 90 seconds, lasted just one race.
But now, under the proposed new rules, there would be a qualifying session on Friday – replacing second practice which takes place in the late afternoon or evening – followed by a 100km or so sprint race on Saturday, with the results of Saturday's race dictating who sits where on the grid for the grand prix on Sunday.
The latest efforts to revamp the current F1 format would see the top eight drivers in the 'sprint' race earning approximately half the points traditionally awarded for a grand prix.
The FIA, various race teams and F1 bosses will put the dramatic new proposals to a vote this week at an F1 Commission meeting, and for it to be passed, it needs a total of 28 out of 30 votes, all in a bid to enhance F1's appeal beyond race day.
According to the BBC, Canada, Italy and Brazil have been chosen as potential venues to trial the 'sprint' race format in the 2021 season, due to the fact that they traditionally showcase fast, exciting races.
The BBC report adds that F1 has proposed an extra $75,000 (£55,000) per team per race to cover the financial costs due to the new format, adding that this offer is not enough to cover the outlay of any damage to cars in the shorter race – with a front wing alone costing an eye-watering $200,000 (£145,000).
New F1 president Stefano Domenicali said at a press conference last week (Feb 6): ” [The] reverse grid is over. It's important to think of new ideas of being more attractive or interesting but we don't have to lose the traditional approach of racing.
When we changed qualifying every couple of days [at the start of 2016], it burned our fingers. Now, the formula is quite stable. We are looking at what could be the approach of the so-called sprint race on Saturday. We are thinking that could be tested maybe this year.”
The 2021 F1 season is due to get underway on March 26 in Bahrain.
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Keyword: Formula 1 bosses considering 'sprint races' to replace qualifying in dramatic shake-up