FIA confirms three F1 sprint events for 2022 - and changes

The FIA has confirmed that three sprint races will be added to F1's 2022 schedule, the sport ditching its original six-race plan.

In the wake of the positive feedback it received from its teams and fans following last year's sprint qualifying trial, F1 had proposed including six events on this year's agenda.

However, teams frowned upon the financial compensation offered by F1 which led to a gridlock in the discussions between the involved parties.

F1 subsequently offered a three-race compromise that the teams accepted at Monday's meeting in London of the F1 Commission, with the Emilia Romagna, Austrian and Brazilian Grand Prix hosting the 30-minuite Saturday afternoon events.

Grid positions for the sprints will once again be determined by a Friday afternoon qualifying session. Also, F1 fans will be happy to know that the fastest driver in that session will officially be awarded "pole position" for the Grand Prix.

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Furthermore, in a change from last year where only the first three drivers were given points on the basis of a 3-2-1 schedule, this year's sprints will reward the top-eight drivers, with 8 points going to the winner and the distribution following all the way down to P8.

"Following a review of the three sprint events that took place in 2021 and a recognition by all that the format created positive benefits for the sport, three sprint events were proposed for 2022, acknowledging this as a sensible number in light of the pressures already on the teams for this season with the introduction of major changes to the regulations," said the FIA in a statement.

"The Commission unanimously approved the three sprint events for the coming season, incorporating a number of updates to the format based on the feedback of fans, media and teams.

"Cost Cap adjustments for sprint events will remain unchanged from 2021."

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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.