Qatar among 2023 Sprint events

Although not formally confirmed it’s understood that Qatar will probably be confirmed as one of many six Dash occasions deliberate for 2023.

Official affirmation will doubtless comply with subsequent week’s assembly of the World Motor Sport Council in Bologna the place additional particulars of a restructuring of the Dash format will probably be introduced.

Among the many concepts up for consideration are a further qualifying session, one – as now – deciding the grid order for the Dash and a second to determine the grid order for the Grand Prix.

Two fully separate qualifying classes would permit the Dash to grow to be distanced from the primary occasion at a time the game’s powers that be are contemplating a separate championship for the Sprints.

This yr has seen three Sprints and whereas some, together with Max Verstappen, stay unconvinced, an entertaining occasion at Interlagos modified the opinion of many.

Consequently, whereas many imagine that the Sprints are too processional as drivers are unwilling to take dangers which may affect the primary occasion, there has additionally been criticism of a number of the tracks the place the occasions have taken place.

Consequently, with the necessity to give attention to tracks the place overtaking is comparatively straightforward, in contrast to Imola, it’s understood that the forthcoming assembly of the WMSC will verify Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Austin and Qatar as hosts of subsequent season’s Sprints.

Although there stays a query mark over whether or not Qatar will get a Dash or not, at a time soccer is beneath intense criticism because the World Cup takes place in Qatar, it shouldn’t be forgotten that ever advantage signalling F1 obtained there first.

Having hosted the maiden occasion final yr, which was initially meant to be a ‘substitute’ for the cancelled Australian Grand Prix, it was solely due to the World Cup that the second Qatar race was delayed till 2023.

Within the meantime, F1 agreed a 10-year take care of Qatari officers which kicks off with subsequent yr’s race.