Formula 1 reveals its six Sprint event venues for 2023

Formula 1 has confirmed the six tracks that will host a Saturday sprint event in 2023.

As a reminder, Sprint event weekends in F1 see qualifying take place on Friday while the results of the Saturday afternoon 100-kilometre mad dash determine the grid for Sunday's race.

The format was tested in 2021 at three rounds and again this season, where sprint events were held at Imola, Spielberg and at Interlagos.

Next year's sprint schedule will kick off at Baku in Azerbaijan in April and will be followed by Spielberg in Austria, Spa in Belgium, Losail in Qatar, COTA in Austin and again Interlagos in Brazil.

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Formula 1 says its track selection process was based on research and analysis of overtaking opportunities, close racing and high-speed sections – and "is designed to ensure competitive on-track action across all three days of the selected Grand Prix weekends".

"We have seen a hugely positive reaction to the F1 Sprint events during the first two years of its running, and we can’t wait to bring even more action to fans with six events next year, including our first US F1 Sprint in Austin," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

"The introduction of the F1 Sprint has created a race weekend that includes three days of competitive racing action and brings more entertainment to fans of the sport as well as additional value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners, and host venues."

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA added: "Following strong collaboration between the FIA and FOM, and the approval of the World Motor Sport Council, we are pleased to reveal the six events for Sprints for the 2023 season.

"We look forward to this exciting addition to the calendar."

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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.