New 'sprint qualifying' format approved for three races

Formula 1 teams have given a unanimous green light to a points-scoring qualifying system for three grand prix races this season.

The experimental format will feature a qualifying session after the first practice session on Friday to determine the grid for a Saturday sprint race that will serve as a qualifier for Sunday.

The order of finish for the 100-km sprint－with no mandatory pit stops－will determine Sunday's starting grid. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone (July 18), the Italian GP at Monza (Sept 12) and the Brazilian GP at Sao Paulo (Nov 7) have been penciled in for the trial runs.