Silverstone to host new F1 sprint race at British Grand Prix

Friday’s second practice session is expected to be replaced by qualifying to make up the grid for Saturday’s shortened race

A general view of the grid at Silverstone (Pool via REUTERS)

Silverstone has been chosen to host one of the first sprint races before this year’s British Grand Prix, it was reported today.

Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali said the Northamptonshire course is among the three race tracks which will trial the new format this season.

Friday’s second practice session is expected to be replaced by qualifying to make up the grid for Saturday’s shortened race, which will be approximately a third of the length of Sunday’s grand prix.

“We are finalising the intricacies of it,” Domenicali told the Daily Mail, with those details due to be discussed further at a meeting in Bahrain on Thursday.

“For sure we do not want to take away the prestige of the grand prix itself. That will remain the climax of the weekend. We will have the qualifying on Friday and then ‘sprint qualifying’ on Saturday.

“It will provide some meaningful action the day before the race. It will give fans, media and broadcasters more content. It will last about half an hour. There will be no podium celebration. That will wait until Sunday.

“But points will be awarded - how many is yet to be decided - towards the world championship and determine the grid for the race itself. What I can say is that Silverstone will hold a sprint race.”

The Italian, Brazilian and Canadian Grands Prix are said to be the contenders to host the other two sprint race trials.

PA