Race Qualifying Session

In Simple Terms

Qualifying is the session where drivers compete to determine their starting positions for the race. It normally happens on the second day of a Grand Prix weekend, either 2-3 hours after the final practice session (FP3) or 3-4 hours after the Sprint race, depending on the event format.

• Qualifying determines the race grid order - your position in qualifying decides where you start the race
• Standard format: held on day two, 2-3 hours after FP3 (free practice 3)
• Alternative format: held on day two, 3-4 hours after Sprint race
• Timing varies based on whether the weekend includes a Sprint race or follows the traditional format