Free Practice

Free Practice refers to official training sessions held before qualifying and races in motorsport events, allowing teams and drivers to prepare for competition without the pressure of scoring points.

In Formula 1, a typical race weekend includes three Free Practice sessions (FP1, FP2, and FP3), each lasting about an hour. During these sessions, teams test different car setups, evaluate tire performance, and drivers familiarize themselves with track conditions.

Free Practice provides crucial preparation time for teams to gather data that informs race strategy. While lap times are recorded, they don't affect official standings. The schedule may be modified for special event formats, such as sprint race weekends where one practice session might be replaced.