F1 sprint qualifying: Silverstone confirmed as first venue for new format

The Silverstone circuit in England have confirmed that Formula 1’s new sprint qualifying format will debut in the British GP. The annoucement was made by Silverstone on Wednesday.

The sprint races are being trialled at three Grand Prix weekends this season. A call will then be made to see if they will be implemented moving forward.

The qualifying events will change the make-up of a race weekend. A standard qualifying session will happen on Friday to set the grid for the sprint race. The finishing order from Sprint Qualifying will then form the grid for Sunday’s race.

‘Excited to trail sprint qualifying’

Stuart Pringle, managing director of Silverstone said he was ‘incredibly excited’ upon the announcement. “We are incredibly excited that Silverstone fans will be the first to experience the Formula 1 Sprint Qualifying format at this year’s British Grand Prix.

“We have not seen such a major timetable shake up in the sport for years and I appreciate the continued efforts being made by Formula 1 and the FIA to enhance the entertainment on track giving our spectators even more to look forward to this July.

“The Friday and Saturday crowds at Silverstone are arguably the largest on the F1 calendar and, following the live events drought of 2020, this year will be no exception.

“Given we have very nearly sold out of tickets for Sunday, Saturday now represents a great opportunity for fans to see a Formula 1 race at Silverstone this summer.”

Sprint Qualifying is coming to the @F1 British Grand Prix ? #F1

Read More >> https://t.co/GAU9Umpm4j
Buy Tickets >> https://t.co/XfQRl1IhPt pic.twitter.com/P3gNKhh4bd

— Silverstone (@SilverstoneUK) April 28, 2021

However, this doesn’t mean that traditional qualifying will be abandoned. Three tests of Sprint Qualifying are taking place in 2021. However, F1 are prepared to scrap the format change if tests do not match expectations.

If they do, however, the sprint races will be used at more Grands Prix from next year onwards. However, it won’t be used at every race.