The upcoming Formula 2 round in Baku, held as part of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, will take place under an expanded format.
As reported by İdman.biz, citing the official Formula 2 website, organisers have added an extra qualifying session and another feature race to the programme. As a result, drivers will compete in three races at the Baku City Circuit instead of the usual two.
The weekend will begin on September 24 with a 45-minute free practice session, followed by two separate 20-minute qualifying sessions.
On September 25, the drivers will first take part in the sprint race. Its starting grid will be based on the results of the first qualifying session, with the top 10 positions reversed.
Later the same day, the first feature race will take place, with its starting order also determined by the results of the opening qualifying session.
The second feature race will be held on September 26, with the grid set according to the results of the second qualifying session.
The Baku programme will therefore consist of one free practice session, two qualifying sessions, one sprint race and two feature races.
Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel said the Baku weekend is the only event on the calendar whose schedule makes it possible to accommodate two additional sessions. According to him, organisers expect the expanded format to make the round even more attractive for fans.
Formula 2 will also be the only support series competing during the race weekend in Baku.
The Azerbaijan round will be the 12th event of the Formula 2 season. The championship will then continue with rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Formula 2 is the main support series for Formula 1 and will stage its Baku round as part of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. Formula 1 action at the Baku City Circuit is also scheduled for September 24-26.
