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Alonso: F1 should rely on fans for sprint format feedback

The two-time Formula 1 world champion believes fans should decide which areas of the new concept need improving rather than the teams.

Fernando Alonso feels fans should dictate the direction F1 goes with its new sprint format which was introduced at the British Grand Prix. The new format saw qualifying take place on Friday, with a 100km sprint race on Saturday and the main race itself as usual on Sunday. "I think I'm happy because it changed a little bit the routine that you are used to in the weekend," Alonso told RacingNews365.com and other select members of the press. "So it was a little bit more stress in FP1 and then the car was in parc ferme. I think this format is made for the fans, to improve the show, and to attract different and new fans to the sport. "I think we need to ask them and to have a feedback from the fans, what they thought about the weekend, what was good, what was not good and if we have to change something they should decide. "I think for the teams, it was not better, it was not worse, it was just different. We prepare the weekend in a different way. "But in the end it's the same for everybody so we need to prioritise the fans and they need to tell us what they really like and try to improve it." The sprint format will next be used at the Italian GP and either the US or Brazilian GP later this year. Alonso did suggest changing the opening practice session to make the event more entertaining from the very start. “When I was watching races at home Friday meant nothing because the long runs are very important for the teams but not for the people at home," said Alonso. “I hope we can keep this format and if anything I will suggest Fridays could be more spicy. Like having one set of tyres and one attempt by everybody. It gives the same chance to everyone – it’s not unfair or a reverse order or anything like that. “But if we get one chance it’s the same for everyone and maybe it will change something. Because we saw yesterday with six attempts, six sets of tyres, we finish in the performance order of our cars, like every qualifying. Maybe we can change that.”

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