Shorter ‘sprint’ races will be introduced to Formula 1 this year to set the grid positions at three grands prix, series bosses have agreed. Grid positions for the shorter race – to be called ‘sprint qualifying’ – will be set by moving qualifying to Friday. It will be the first time in history that the grand prix is not the only race on an F1 world championship weekend. The British Grand Prix on 14-16 July will be the first event to host the new format, followed by the Italian race on 10-12 September. Qualifying will be run only on the soft compound, with each team getting five sets:.

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