Formula 1 bosses have confirmed earlier reports that the start times for all Grands Prix will be altered by at least 10 minutes in 2018.
Fron now on, each race will start at 10 minutes past the hour in an attempt to offer fans – who’s broadcast starts at the top of the hour – a chance to see the atmosphere build on the grid before the formation lap.
All European rounds and Brazil will be pushed back by an additional hour with Continental Europe races starting at 3:10pm as oppose to the traditional 2pm, while Britain sees its race move to 2:10pm.
The only exception in the returning French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard which will begin at 4:10pm to avoid clashing with key matches at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.
This comes after research suggested later start times in Europe would help increase TV audiences across many major markets.
The Asian and American races only see the 10-minute change, while Bahrain has officially joined Singapore as a full night race with the Abu Dhabi finale remaining a twilight round.
Practice and qualifying have also been moved back by an hour to coincide with the change in race time.
