No reverse grids but F1 still open to new formats

Formula One has confirmed it will not go ahead with plans to include reverse-grid qualifying races at select grands prix this year, but says it is still open to experimentation with weekend formats.

F1's newly-released European schedule features consecutive races at the same circuit in Austria and Great Britain and the sport had proposed mixing up the show at the second race at each of those venues in order to keep viewers entertained.

The proposed idea sought to replace the usual qualifying format with a 30-minute race to decide the grid for Sunday's grand prix, with the starting order of the qualifying race on Saturday being dictated by reverse championship order. No points would be given…