“The moment recognises the seven decades of history in the sport and combines it with a modern twist – very similar to the Sprint itself.”
F1’s Qualifying Sprint format has been tipped to appear a further two times this season following the first attempt at Silverstone.
Managing director for motor sport at F1 Ross Brawn is confident that the new format will promote close racing despite the 17-lap sprint potentially forcing drivers to race conservatively to avoid crashing and starting at the back of the grid for Sunday’s grand prix.
“I think the thing that gives a different flavour, a different nuance, a different emphasis, is that it’s a flat out race,” Brawn said. “There’s no team strategy involved. It’s driver alone, 100kms flat out racing, no team strategy, no pitstops, no fuel saving, nothing.
“I think they will battle intensely for position on a Saturday afternoon. People have said won’t they drive conservatively, because they want to preserve their cars and look after things? I guess a driver always drives within a certain limit whenever they’re on the track, because they don’t want to damage the equipment.
“But you’re sat there in second or third and you’re driving conservatively and everyone’s overtaking you, what are you going to do? You’re going to battle, you’re going to compete. There’s no way these guys are going to cruise round on a Saturday afternoon.”
F1 Sprint Qualifying will start on Saturday afternoon in place of the usual qualifying session.