For season two, which starts with the A1GP Zandvoort, the Netherlands on September 30 and October 1, the organisers of the series have been looking at ways not only to improve the already popular weekend package, but also to give young up-and-coming drivers the chance to compete against older, more established names.
Commenting on the new initiative A1GP Deputy Chairman, Tony Teixeira, said, "The idea of the level playing field is something we want to expand on. We appreciate most of the young drivers have never driven anything as powerful as the A1GP car before, so some extra time to get used to the car and the track can be invaluable."
"I have seen these youngsters are quick learners, so expect this extra track time will help them make a mark very quickly when they are joined by the other drivers for the final Friday session," he said.
The definition of a Rookie is a driver who is under 25-years-old and is a newcomer to the series or has competed in no more than three races in total. The race weekend on-track programme will now start on the Friday with a Rookie Session from 13.00 to 13.25.
There will then be a 10-minute gap before the final Rookie Session from 13.25to 14.00. The final session of the day with all the drivers will be from 16.00 to 17.00.
On Saturday all the drivers will then take part in the third free practice from 11.00 to 12.00 and the four qualifying sessions which will be from:
14.15 - 14.30
14.35 - 14.50
14.55 - 15.10
15.15 - 15.30
On Sunday the Sprint race, which will have a rolling start, will start at 11.00 and the standing start Feature Race, with a mandatory pit stop, will start at 15.00.