Austrian Grand Prix: How does the sprint format work? When is qualifying, the sprint and GP this weekend?

Updated 09/07/2022 at 12:43 GMT

This weekend's Grand Prix in Austria sees the return of the sprint format, with some changes since last year. There are two practice sessions instead of three, qualifying will take place on Friday instead of Saturday, and there are more points on offer for the top eight in Saturday's sprint race as the format continues to evolve. Will the new format disrupt the Red Bulls on their home circuit?

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - GP of Austria 2022

Image credit: Getty Images

Friday saw the return of the sprint format at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, meaning there’s a fresh look to the way qualifying works.

In an effort to make qualifying more exciting they have changed the arrangement for the day from last season, following on from the first runout of the new format in 2022 at Imola.

In the season’s eleventh round, there will be more chances for teams to challenge current campaign leader Max Verstappen. Unusually for a Friday, there was qualifying after the first practice session, to be followed by a sprint race on Saturday and a race proper on Sunday, as usual. This format will be used once more over the course of the season, also featuring in Brazil.

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Last year points were awarded to the top three finishers in the sprint race - three for first place, two for second and one point for third - but this year there are points for the top eight, with eight points for first, with a point fewer for each place further behind. The result of the sprint will determine the grid order for Sunday's main event.

Qualifying was completed on Friday afternoon, setting the running order for Saturday, and there are two practice sessions instead of three to account for the extra race.