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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 02: Start during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on August 02, 2020 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 02: Start during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on August 02, 2020 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
The FIA have a number of challenges to tackle in the ongoing F1 season. Besides issues raised by various teams, they also need to revise regulations after various incidents across nine races so far.
While the upcoming British Grand Prix hosts the sprint qualifying format for the first time, the FIA look set to approve a set of re-written regulations. In addition to sprint qualifying, they will also approve new construction of Pirelli tires.
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FIA set to approve Pirelli’s new tire construction at British Grand Prix
Last month, Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll suffered race-ending tire punctures towards the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Although Pirelli went back and forth in discussions, the FIA worked with them to introduce strict procedures in the French Grand Prix.
At the recently concluded Austrian Grand Prix, Pirelli introduced a new prototype tire which F1 drivers used in practice sessions. After the tire passed its test during free practice last weekend, the FIA look set to approve its construction from the British Grand Prix.
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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 02: Esteban Ocon of France driving the (31) Renault Sport Formula One Team RS20 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on August 02, 2020 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
The construction of these new tires aims to improve the reliability of the current tire sets in F1.
READ MORE: Why Do F1 Drivers Pickup Rubber?
FIA also set to revise sprint qualifying regulations
Although the tires will draw attention, the main difference in the British Grand Prix will be sprint qualifying. While the FIA announced the format in April, there seem to be some changes that they will approve. RaceFans understands an extensive rewrite of the existing, 90-page sporting regulations was required to formalise its introduction.
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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB16 during the Red Bull Racing RB16 launch at Silverstone Circuit in Northampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Speaking about these changes, FIA Race Director Michael Masi said, “The regulations traditionally have been structured in a very specific format and way around a grand prix taking place without Sprint Qualifying happening.
“So everyone is quite open and has said that we all just need to work together and see what pops up, anything that we haven’t considered, as much as everyone has read them inside out.”
This means qualifying on Friday, July 16 could shift to an earlier time. Originally scheduled at 6:00pm local time, the session could move to 2:30pm replacing the first practice session. Although there will be another practice session on Saturday, things could get challenging for the drivers in Silverstone.
WATCH STORY: What Are Sprint Races & Where Will They Be Held?
