The Formula 1 calendar will include six sprint races in the 2023 season, organizers of the “Great Circus” announced on Tuesday, citing Reuters.

Formula 1, six sprint races in the 2023 season

• April 28-30: Baku (Azerbaijan)

• June 30 – June 2: Spielberg (Austria)

• July 28-30: Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)

• October 6-8: Losail (Qatar)

• October 20-22: Austin (USA)

• November 3-5: Interlagos (Brazil).

The format of the sprint races includes a qualifying session on Friday, a 100 km race on Saturday, with points awarded to the first eight finishers and setting the starting grid for the Grand Prix on Sunday, writes Agerpres.

The pole position will be awarded to the fastest driver in Friday’s qualifying, not to the one who starts from the first position on the grid on Sunday.

The same format will continue next year, although Formula 1 is considering changes for the future, including turning Saturday’s sprint into a separate race.

The selection of tracks for sprint races has been made according to the best overtaking opportunities, speed sections and balanced configuration.

“We have seen an overwhelmingly positive response to Formula 1 sprint events in the first two years since launch. The introduction of the sprint has created a race weekend that spans three days of competition and provides more entertainment for sports fans as well as added value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners and host venues” – Stefano Domenicali, Executive Director of F1.

The 2023 Formula 1 calendar will have a record number of races (24) if the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, canceled due to Covid-19, is replaced by another event.

Know:

• Sprint races will be held for the first time on tracks in Azerbaijan, Qatar and the USA.

• The circuit in Qatar was not part of the Formula 1 program this year due to the World Cup.

• In 2022, there were three sprint races in Italy (Imola), Austria and Brazil.