Formula One teams have unanimously approved a plan to introduce sprint races at three events this year in place of qualifying.
The 100km races - to be known as 'sprint qualifying' - will take place on Saturday and determine the grid for Sunday's race, which will remain in its usual format.
The British Grand Prix in July is likely to see the debut of the sprint race, with the Italian Grand Prix in September also a possibility.
The news was welcomed by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who says the fans will be the big winners.
"We are excited by this new opportunity that will bring our fans an even more engaging race weekend in 2021. Seeing the drivers battling it out over three days will be an amazing experience," he said.
"I am sure the drivers will relish the fight. I am delighted that all the teams supported this plan, and it is a testament to our united efforts to continue to engage our fans in new ways while ensuring we remain committed to the heritage and meritocracy of our sport."
A qualifying session on Friday afternoon will set the grid for Saturday's sprint race, which is about a third of the distance of a normal Grand Prix. The grid for Sunday's race will be the finishing order from Saturday, while championship points will also be on offer on Saturday, with three points for the winner, two for second and one for third.
"I am pleased to see that Formula One is seeking new ways to engage with its fans and enlarge the spectacle of a race weekend through the concept of sprint qualifying," FIA president Jean Todt said.
Interlagos in Brazil is rumoured to be third race where sprint qualifying will be trialed, however that event remains in doubt due to the country's COVID-19 crisis.
The change will be the first time since the world championship began in 1950 that a race has been used to decide Grand Prix starting positions.
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from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/motorsport/f1-2021-sprint-qualifying-races-approved-silverstone-monza/b0675503-78f7-4d10-8c86-f5a71c5c60a6
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