Earlier this season, FIA released a statement that there will be 3 sprint races held, determining the grid for Sunday's Grand Prix. But what is this sprint race or sprint qualifying? What to expect from this sprint? Well then keep on reading, I have it all dissected for you.
The first-ever sprint race is to be held ahead of the British Grand Prix in Silverstone. This is what to expect from the grand weekend ahead.
Friday | Free Practice 1 | 60 minutes
Friday | Qualifying
It is the regular qualifying session as all grand Prix weekend. The Q1, Q2, Q3 formats will set the grid for the sprint race to be held on Saturday.
Saturday | Free Practice 2 | 60 minutes
Saturday | Sprint Qualifying | 20-30 minutes
This is basically a 100 km race or 17 laps around the circuit which will set the grid for Sunday Grand Prix. The drivers can go all flat out and engage in full speed during this session. There are no mandatory pit stops during the sprint and all the drivers can choose any tire compound they want for the race on Sunday rather than using the Q2 tires in a normal qualifying round.
Points will be rewarded to the top three. Pole sitter will get 3 points, P2 will get 2 points and P3 will get 1 point. This is a great opportunity to score some extra points for the team.
There will be no podium for the sprint qualifying but a trophy will be awarded to the pole sitter in Parc Ferme, similar to how the pole-sitter usually gets a Pirelli pole position tyre. The finishing order of the sprint race will set the grid for Sunday.
Sunday | Race Day | Full Race distance | 52 laps
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