Masi: F1 keeping an 'open mind' on Sprint Qualifying rules

FIA race director Michael Masi says Formula 1's stakeholders are all keeping an "open mind" on the possibility of tweaking the rules for Grand Prix racing's innovative Sprint Qualifying format.

The novel concept dreamed up earlier this year to boost the interest of fans and viewers will become a reality next week at the British Grand Prix, with Silverstone hosting the first of three trials that will take place this year.

Although a formal regulation frame for the new format has been approved by the F1 and the FIA - including changes, for instance, to the organization of parc fermé during the race weekend, or to how eventual penalties are applied - Masi says that Sprint Qualifying will be considered as a work in progress of sorts, with everyone open to potential changes according to the lessons that will be learned.

• Read also - Hamilton: Sprint Qualifying action 'won't be too exciting'

"I think we've been very fortunate in the way that it's been an absolutely collaborative approach since the start of the year," said Masi, quoted by Motorsport.com.

"So we've had numerous meetings, involving all the team sporting directors, ourselves at the FIA, and obviously F1 in developing, refining, leaving things for a week, letting everyone have another re-read and finding little bits and pieces.

"And everyone to be fair has a completely open mind that there may be things that crop up that no one has thought of, from any of us, but also an open mind that after the first event, let's happily review internally and see what did work, what didn't work, other areas that need to be refined.

"Quite honestly, with everyone involved, it is something new for all of us, particularly in an F1 capacity," added the Aussie.

"The regulations traditionally have been structured in a very specific format and way around a Grand Prix taking place without sprint qualifying happening.

"So everyone's quite open and has said even as late as this morning [last Sunday] that we all just need to work together and see what pops up, anything that we haven't considered, as much as everyone has read them inside out today."

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