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Two extra races added to calendar to offset Saudi Arabia round cancellation

by sports••0
Two extra races added to calendar to offset Saudi Arabia round cancellation
F1 Academy has made up for the cancelled Saudi Arabia weekend by adding two extra races between Canada and the United States.
The turmoil in the Middle East has not only impacted Formula 1, which has been forced to cancel the races in Bahrain and Jeddah, pending a decision on whether they will be rescheduled later in the season, but has also affected the support series.

F1 Academy was set to stage its second round, following the season opener in Shanghai on March 13–15, alongside Formula 1 from April 17 to 19, leaving another gap in the calendar that will now be filled.

To make up for the cancelled rounds, the all-female category will introduce a three-race weekend format in Montreal and Austin – rounds 2 and 5 of the calendar respectively – restoring the planned 14-race schedule.

Susie Wolff – Photo: Race Pictures

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Two races lined up to fill gap left by Saudi Arabia cancellation

The additional race, labelled as the ‘Opening Race’, will complement both the Reverse Grid and Feature races and “will be set using each driver’s second fastest Qualifying time, adding a tactical element to the sole 30-minute Qualifying session, where drivers must deliver not just one perfect lap, but two.

“The Opening Race will award full points and contribute to both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Standings. One point will be awarded for the Fastest Lap, with no points awarded for Pole.”

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, commented: “Introducing the Opening Race at select rounds underscores our commitment to building a platform where the most talented can thrive by maximising competitive track time.

“As F1 ACADEMY continues to grow on and off the track, I am continually looking for ways to elevate our race weekends. I’d like to thank our promoters for their support and enthusiasm for this dynamic new format, which will deliver additional on track action in Montreal and Austin and provide a compelling schedule for fans and drivers alike.”