US GP schedule tweaked for Timberlake concert

This year’s qualifying for the United States GP has been made back by two hours to accommodate a Justin Timberlake concert at the venue.

Timberlake is headlining this year’s concert at the Circuit of the Americas, taking to the stage on the Saturday evening.

This has led circuit organisers to ask F1’s new owners, Liberty Media, to delay qualifying by two hours in the hope that more fans will then stay on to watch the concert.

A Formula One spokesperson told Press Association Sport on Friday: “At the request of the promoter of the US Grand Prix, the time of the qualifying session has been moved to 16.00 in order to closer connect the Justin Timberlake concert and Formula One qualifying that takes place at the circuit on Saturday October 21st at 18.00.

“The intention is to provide a better and more inclusive fan experience across the grand prix weekend and in so doing help promoters reach out to a more diverse cross-section of fans.

“This will be therefore a unique opportunity for music fans to experience and share in the excitement and drama of a Formula One qualifying session.”