Yep, that certainly makes the whole weekend more interesting: Qualifs on Friday, Sprint on Saturday and GP on Sunday. More bang for your buck for those who bother to attend. It may be that ALL the GPs will be preceded by a sprint in future. The FIA will have to review the engine allocation in that case.
Is it just me or do you sprints usually convert race day into a procession? Most of the out-of-position drivers make their way up the order, race starts nearer pace order than it might have and you end up with a boring race. Such a shame, every single one of those courses has the ability to generate some seriously interesting racing...
Maybe they should give more points for the sprint race. Instead of 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 for the first 8, it could be roughly half the points of the GP itself, and for the first 10. The FIA should give more incentive to actually race !
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/fia-doubles-f1-cost-cap-allowance-for-sprint-races-in-2023/10409030/ FIA doubles F1 cost cap allowance for sprint races in 2023 The FIA has announced it will double teams’ cost cap allowance for each Formula 1 sprint race in 2023, but has ditched the exemptions for accident damage. By: Luke Smith Dec 7, 2022, 6:25 PM Since the introduction of F1 sprint races in 2021, teams have been given additional breathing room in the budget cap make up for the extra on-track running, as well as receiving an accident allowance for major incidents in the 100km Saturday events. The matter has been a subject for debate between the teams, F1 and the FIA for some time. It put the brakes on the planned expansion of the sprint race format to six events in 2022 a teams could not agree on an increased amount and their subsequent payments, with one allegedly seeking a budget cap increase of $5 million in return for its approval. But following the latest World Motor Sport Council meeting in Bologna this week, the FIA announced that it will be doubling the allowance amount for sprint events for the next two years. Currently, each team receives an additional $150,000 allowance in the budget cap, as well as a further $100k allowance per car for accident damage sustained during a sprint, which could increase if the cost is greater than $100k. Teams will now receive an additional $300k per sprint race weekend from 2023 onwards, but there will be no further adjustments for accident damage due to the increased safety net. Earlier today, F1 announced the venues for the six sprint races in 2023, marking an expansion of the format from three events per season in the past two years. Baku, Red Bull Ring, Spa, COTA, Losail and Interlagos will host the six sprints in the coming season. “The World Council also approved several updates and clarifications to the 2023 and 2024 Financial Regulations, including an increase of the forfeit allowance amount for each Sprint session from $150k to $300k from 2023 onwards, and the elimination of any subsequent adjustment for accident damage sustained during the Sprint sessions,” read the FIA statement. The WMSC also confirmed there would be safety improvements for F1 roll hoops from 2024, something that was instigated following Zhou Guanyu’s crash at the start of the British Grand Prix in July. Changes have already been put in place for 2023 by adjusting the homologation tests, but there will a “significant increase in the required strength of roll hoops” from 2024, according to the FIA. “These updates mean that test loads are applied more horizontally to require better fixing of the roll hoop to the chassis structure,” read the statement.
I think the Sprint is forced. Not all support. The damage should be covered and not in the cap at all. The point of the sprint is to race quickly and briefly but teams routinely state they do not treat them in such a way. I dont care if they have them or dont. The only race that should offer points is the Main Sunday GP. The sprint is a gimmick and does not draw anymore crowd than the normal weekend. It alters practice and mixes up the weekend. For nothing other than they want it to.
Of course the opinions are divided on the subject. Sprint races change the traditional GP format and present another challenge. I think teams don't like the extra risk of damaging their cars, possibly writting them off totally; hence the reluctance. I cannot discuss the level of attendance, I have no figure to back up what I say, but if the action is spread over 3 days instead of 2, the public should have more for its money, no? So, I am open-minded about sprint races. Looking at other motor series, increasingly they offer several races at each event. World GT, DTM, German GT Masters, like most GT series, etc ... have 2 races, BTCC and World Superbikes 3 ! I think it's commercial interest that pushed them to do that. What the fans want is more races, and more action. It makes the weekend more complete and justifies the price of the ticket.
No matter how good the F1 races are the Porsche Super Cup will always be my favorite when at the circuit lol! I watch the Sprints occasionally they are interesting. Still a gimmick and no points should be awarded.
So we have sprints but lets ban innovation. Gimmicks win lol FIA formally outlaws Mercedes F1 slot-gap separator trick The FIA has now formally banned a front wing trick that Mercedes considered this season before it was advised it could fall foul of Formula 1’s regulations. By: Jonathan Noble Co-author: Matt Somerfield Dec 8, 2022, 1:29 PM Image Unavailable, Please Login
In general, I don't like "one make" or specs series. I like a diversity of cars, each with their own characteristics and abilities on track. That's why I am a fan of GT series. But I admit I make an exception for Indycar.
