Formula 1 is considering reducing all three practice sessions to just an hour in length from next season.
In recent years, there have been calls for less practice to be scheduled on Grand Prix weekends as limited tyres and improved off-track tools like simulators have made the current four hours of running too much.
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It has even been suggested to cut both Friday sessions altogether, as was the case at Imola this year where a two-day format was successfully trialled with just a single 90-minute practice before qualifying on Saturday.
That format is also expected to be used at a select number of events in 2021, this as F1 plans a record 23-race calendar, but many races are in favour of keeping the usual three-day weekend due to the revenues brought in on practice day.
So, as a potential compromise, MotorsportWeek reports Article 32.1 of next year’s sporting regulation has been altered to read that both Friday sessions remain but will now be just an hour in length, down from the previous 90 minutes.
The change has not been confirmed by either the FIA or F1, with a suggestion being the idea is still being evaluated.
But with Grands Prix where practice has previously been reduced due to weather or red flags often producing more exciting races, its a move that would be welcomed.