Priestley: Sprint races 'can be of value to the Grand Prix season’

At the end of an eventful week in Formula One, with some logistical and regulatory breakthroughs, former pit engineer and Formula One expert Marc Priestley shines his light on the biggest upcoming changes. Although he is uncertain about the success of the discussed sprint races, he argued that the urge to experiment is a good sign for the sport regardless.

“Some people are for sprint races, some are against. There are pros and cons on both sides," Priestley said on his YouTube channel. Although official confirmation is still pending, last Thursday the teams reacted positively to the proposal to organise three sprint races on Saturday next season. The intention is that the sprint race will determine the starting order of the Grand Prix, and that winning the sprint race will be rewarded with points. 

Variation is the key

The proposal is part of a campaign designed to make the premier class of motor racing more exciting and interesting, something Priestley recognises and applauds. Although he cannot predict the success of sprint racing.

“For my thinking, what's great is that we’re willing to experiment, we’re willing to try something new, because until we try it, we just don’t know. What 2020 showed us was that having a bit of variation in the formats or in the places we go, in the way an F1 weekend looks can keep some interest.”

Priestley continued, looking back at the eventful 2020 season: “Even in a season that was pretty much dominated by one driver and one car, we still had interest right throughout the season because we were going to new venues, the format was being shaken up at certain places, we were trying new track layouts at the same venue we were perhaps a week earlier. That kind of variation and experimentation to me proved that it can work and it can add value to a Grand Prix season.”