Formula 1's Sprint race will once again spice up the show at three venues this year, but the format has undergone a few changes for 2022.
F1 introduced the concept last season at Silverstone, Monza and Interlagos and the trial was deemed so successful – by F1 if not by the sport's fans – that six venues were initially earmarked to host a Sprint.
But that plan failed to materialize when unanimity among the teams and F1 could not be reached on the financial amount awarded to each outfit - outside the sport's budget cap - for assuming the extra costs and risks associated with the Saturday afternoon 100-km race.
F1 has therefore maintained for this season a three-race Sprint schedule that includes this weekend's Emilia Romagna GP, the Austrian GP and, like last year, the Brazilian GP.
The general format also remains unchanged, with qualifying taking place on Friday and the 30-minute mad dash Sprint that will determine the grid for race day taking place on Saturday afternoon.
However, there will be much more at stake in terms of points.
Last year, only the top three finishers of the Sprint were rewarded for their efforts, while this season the points schedule will extend to the top eight, with 8 points handed to the winner and a descending scale handing 1 point to the driver who finishes P8.
The second change to the Sprint format involves pole position.
Last year, pole was awarded to the Sprint race winner which sparked a controversial debate among F1 fans - and indeed among many drivers - who believed that the accolade should go to the driver who is fastest in qualifying.
Such will be the case this year, with the pecking order from Friday qualifying forming the grid for Saturday's Sprint event.
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