The British Grand Prix will play host to Formula 1’s first ever Sprint Race this July, with Silverstone Circuit being the first of three venues in 2021 to do so.
Formula 1 confirmed that sprint races will be trialled at three venues this year, and it has been confirmed that Silverstone will be the first of those to run a short race on Saturday that will determine the grid for Sunday’s full-length encounter.
There will be one free practice session on Friday morning before Qualifying later the same day, while there will be another practice session on Saturday morning before the sprint race. The main race will continue to be on its own on Sunday.
The sprint race will offer points to the top three finishers, with three points going to the race winner, two to second place and one for the third-place finisher.
“We are incredibly excited that Silverstone fans will be the first to experience the Formula 1 sprint qualifying format at this year’s British Grand Prix,” said Stuart Pringle, the Managing Director of Silverstone.
“We have not seen such a major timetable shake up in the sport for years and I appreciate the continued efforts being made by Formula 1 and the FIA to enhance the entertainment on track giving our spectators even more to look forward to this July.
“The Friday and Saturday crowds at Silverstone are arguably the largest on the F1 calendar and, following the live events drought of 2020, this year will be no exception. Given we have very nearly sold out of tickets for Sunday, Saturday now represents a great opportunity for fans to see a Formula 1 race at Silverstone this summer.”
