SATURDAY F1 SPRINT RACE UNDER CONSIDERATION THIS SEASON
New boss Stefano Domenicali says a major change is on the horizon in grand prix racing
Formula 1 bosses are considering introducing a sprint race into the Satuday of a grand prix race weekend , a move that could be introduced this season.
The revelation comes as chiefs shut the door on reversed grid races, another tweak that had been under discussion.
Formula 1’s new president Stefano Domenicali said that switching stating positions was off the table but added: “I think that it’s important to think maybe of new ideas of being more attractive or interesting – [but] we don’t have to lose the traditional approach of racing.”
He said the multiple changes to the qualifying format – not all of which have been a success – has led chiefs to consider other ways of spicing up a race weekend.
“What we are looking at is what could be the approach of the so-called sprint race on Saturday,” Domenicali added. “We are thinking if this could be tested already this year. There are discussions going on with the teams, in the right forum. And I think that maybe this could be the only one thing that could be interesting.”
He added that he was also seeking ways of giving rookies more time in grand prix machines. Restrictions on testing mean that the chances for newcomers are limited and he was keen that the next generation of talents had their chance to shine.
“We need to give attention once again to the rookies,” said Domenicali. “We need to create [chances for rookies to drive F1 cars] not only in the free practice, as already is written into the regulations. Maybe we can create events, highlighting the fact that we need to focus the attention on the rookies. We have a very good number of young drivers that are already in Formula 1, but we cannot stop that flow going on.”