Silverstone confirmed as first venue for F1 sprint race trial

Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle has confirmed the British Grand Prix will be the first event to trial F1's new sprint race qualifying format later this year.

F1 announced on Monday it had received the green light to proceed with its plan to trial a new weekend format including a Saturday sprint race that will decide the grid for the grand prix.

The official statement detailed that two trial events would take place in Europe with the third to be completed at one of the flyaway races.

In a statement, Pringle said: “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 revised format will see Friday practice two replaced with the current three-part qualifying session.

Saturday morning practice would take place as normal ahead of a 100km sprint race which will then be completed in the usual qualifying slot, the result of which will set the grid for the grand prix itself.

Pringle added: "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.”

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