Formula 1 will trial a new Sprint Qualifying format at three races in 2021 after the final go-ahead was given on Monday.
The push for Saturday sprint races has been going on for several years but was always blocked due to concerns the use of a reverse grid was too artificial.
That element was dropped from this new plan, and after a few more points of disagreement were cleared, teams voted unanimously in support of its introduction, with the FIA World Motor Sport Council set to verify it quickly.
Under the Sprint Qualifying format the race weekend will go as follows:
Friday
- One-hour Practice 1 in the morning
- Normal qualifying session in the afternoon to determine the grid for Sprint Qualifying race
Saturday
- One-hour Practice 2 in the morning
- 100km Sprint Qualifying race in the afternoon to decide the grid for Grand Prix
Sunday
- Normal Grand Prix race
Also confirmed was the top three in the Saturday Qualifying Sprint race will score points: 1st = 3, 2nd = 2, 3rd = 1
A trophy will be presented to the winner, but no podium ceremony will take place afterwards.
The allocation of tyres has also been altered with teams only allowed to use five sets of the Soft compound during Friday's traditional qualifying session.
For both the Sprint Qualifying and Grand Prix races, only two sets of tyres will be allowed but this will be a free choice.
The new format will be used at two European and one non-European round still to be confirmed. Although the British GP, Italian GP and Brazilian GP have been widely reported.
Finally, Parc Ferme conditions will be introduced from the start of Friday qualifying to prevent teams from trying to exploit single-lap performance with special set-ups etc..
Some changes will be permitted to ensure Practice 2 remains "useful" and in the event of a significant change in climatic conditions.
“We are excited by this new opportunity that will bring our fans an even more engaging race weekend in 2021," F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali commented.
"Seeing the drivers battling it out over three days will be an amazing experience and I am sure the drivers will relish the fight.
"I am delighted that all the teams supported this plan, and it is a testament to our united efforts to continue to engage our fans in new ways while ensuring we remain committed to the heritage and meritocracy of our sport.”
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FIA president Jean Todt added: “I am pleased to see that Formula 1 is seeking new ways to engage with its fans and enlarge the spectacle of a race weekend through the concept of Sprint Qualifying.
"It was made possible thanks to the continued collaboration between the FIA, Formula 1, and all of the teams and F1 is showing itself to be stronger than ever with all stakeholders working together in this way, and much has been done to ensure that the Sporting, Technical and Financial aspects of the format are fair.”
