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Young drivers to earn Superlicence points in F1 practice sessions

The FIA has announced that from 2020, young development drivers running in F1 free practice sessions will earn Superlicence points for their efforts.

To compete in Formula 1, drivers are currently required to have accumulated 40 Superlicence points by competing in a variety of categories that include Formula 2 and other junior single-seater series, IndyCar and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

However, F1 development drivers are is eligible to run in free practice sessions on Grand Prix weekends with a special 'free practice only' licence that requires just 25 points.

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To help drivers gain access to a proper Superlicence, from next year a single point will be awarded to drivers who take part in an F1 free practice session, as long as they complete at least 100km of mileage and do not incur any licence penalty points.

The number of points that can be earned from free practice sessions will be limited to 10 across three seasons.

The FIA also revealed that the number of qualifying categories in which drivers can earn Superlicence points has been extended in 2020 to include the new all-female W Series and the Euroformula Open series.

Motorsport's governing body also clarified a series' eligibility status in order to qualify for points.

"The championships concerned must be composed of a minimum of 5 competitions, the definition of a competition requiring that a minimum of 72 hours has elapsed between the end of one competition and the start of the subsequent competition.

"As part of the requirement for the championship to be held on three different tracks, any alternative circuit configuration recognised and licensed by the FIA may be considered to be a track for these purposes."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.