F1 confirms Italian GP will be next to trial Sprint Qualifying format

Formula 1 has officially confirmed the Italian Grand Prix will be next to trial the new Sprint Qualifying format this season.

Last weekend, Silverstone had the honour of being the first circuit to host the revised schedule and the reaction was largely positive, with drivers enjoying the serious action of a traditional qualifying session on Friday before the 100km race on Saturday.

The 17-lap dash around the British GP venue also got a rave review from one of the architects of the concept, F1 motorsport boss Ross Brawn.

“Very pleased,” he said when asked for his reaction.

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“It’s a completely new concept for Formula 1 but I think one of the things we all saw today was a racing driver is a racing driver and they’re never going to take it easy.

“That first lap or so was completely nail-biting and sensational, and then we had the little duels in the rest of the race.

“Fernando Alonso’s performance was sensational, got my vote for the highlight of the race. I’d buy a ticket for that every day, so we’re very pleased.

“We’ll let the dust settle on the weekend, spend some time with the FIA and the teams, try and understand if there’s some evolutions we want but we won’t be changing the fundamental format this year.

“I think after the three races we can sit down and see where we go from here. But so far very positive.”

And now the second of three events where the Sprint Qualifying format has been announced at Monza on the weekend of September 10-12.

With the timings set to follow those seen at Silverstone with Friday’s action in the afternoon and early evening before a slightly later schedule on Saturday and Sunday.

The third and final trial event in 2021 is expected to be the Brazilian GP at the famed Interlagos track in November, but uncertainty continues to surround that race due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.