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The proposal for Formula 1 to trial a new qualifying format – expected to be a sprint race – at some grands prix in 2021 has received “broad support” at today’s F1 Commission meeting.
A working group has now been set up to move forward with the details of the plan, with the expectation that a final vote will be held before the season begins at the end of next month.
New F1 chief Stefano Domencali had first floated the idea of a Saturday sprint race in a media session last week.
He made clear it would not have any reversed-grid element after the defeat of that proposal in 2020.
It subsequently emerged that Domenicali’s plan was for a one-third distance sprint race that would award points and set the grid for the main event, with qualifying for the sprint replacing free practice two on Fridays. The Canadian, Italian and Brazilian GPs were earmarked as races where it could be tried.
The proposal was discussed during Thursday’s F1 Commission meeting but was not put to a vote. It requires a ‘super majority’ of 28 out of the 30 votes (split equally between the FIA, F1 and the teams) to be approved.
But while it was not voted on, the idea of some form of qualifying format change was widely backed and a plan will now be finalised.
“All teams recognised the major importance of engaging fans in new and innovative ways to ensure an even more exciting weekend format,” said an FIA statement.
“There was, therefore, broad support from all parties for a new qualifying format at some races, and a working group has been tasked with creating a complete plan with the aim to reach a final decision before the start for the 2021 championship.”
Last year’s sprint race proposal would’ve involved reversed championship positions setting the grids for the second races at venues that hosted two GPs in 2020.
Mercedes’ opposition meant it lacked the support required to go ahead.
