Recapping F3’s new-points system and overhauled weekend format

With a new-points system and an overhauled race weekend format, Formula 3 will be entering something of a new era in 2022. Ahead of the opening round, we’ve compiled a handy one-stop-shop covering all of the key info…

WHAT WILL THE NEW WEEKEND FORMAT LOOK LIKE?

Fridays will remain the same as they have for all three seasons of Formula 3 to date, with one 45-minute Free Practice session, followed by a straight 30-minute shoot-out to pole.

Unlike in previous years, Formula 3 will now have a Sprint Race and a Feature Race.

The grid for the Sprint Race on the Saturday will be determined by reversing the top 12 drivers from Qualifying. The Sprint Race is the shortest of the two races, coming in at 40-minutes.

The Feature Race will then take place on a Sunday before the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The starting grid will be determined by the results of Friday’s Qualifying results, and it will be 45 minutes of wheel-to-wheel action. Unlike in Formula 2, there are no compulsory pitstops in Formula 3.

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HOW MANY POINTS ARE AVAILABLE IN EACH SESSION?

The driver who takes pole position following the final classification of Friday’s Qualifying session will now be awarded two points, down from four in 2021. As has always been the case, the driver who starts on reverse grid pole in the Sprint Race will not be awarded any additional points.

For the Sprint Race, the top 10 classified drivers will now be awarded 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 points respectively.

There are more points on offer in the Feature Race as the grid is decided by the results of Qualifying and because it is the longest of the two races. The top 10 finishers will score 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 points respectively. This point allocation remains the same as in previous years.

In each race, one point will be awarded to the driver who achieves the fastest lap time, providing he is in the top 10 positions of the final race classification.

More info can be found in the FAQ section of our official website.