These are the two options:
1. Average lap (best 3 laps out of

This is the format we are using right now: 1 server online 24/7, released track (used in previous Pro race), top 15/18 players qualify to Pro race directly -> other players will driver Rookie race in the same released track.
+ more activity in the server during the week
+ real rookies will have the possibility to train for the race, since track is released
+ two possibilities to join Pro race (qualify in top 15/18 or finish in top 2/5 in rookie race)
- good players with limited time will use rookie race as a real qualifier -> no real challange for rookies
- possibility that some qualified players will miss the Pro race, leaving additional free spots
2. Fastest Lap Qualifying before the race
This format requires two dedicated servers where ALL players will connect, download the track and drive a medium-long (15 laps?) pre-qualifying session based on Fastest Lap (no fuel, no damage.. just full speed!). Top 20 players will drive the Pro race, others will drive Rookie race.
+ the whole event will last 1h, max 1h30m (no extra time required for qualifying)
+ both Rookie and Pro races will be based on unreleased tracks
+ all players who join pre-qualifying round will be likely remain for the race as well -> no free spots
- rookies aren't pushed to play more, unless they want to train alone/in F1 server
- switching between servers after pre-qualifying round
- there won't be an admin/supervisor for rookie race => no random players allowed for security reasons (we can give the password to somebody who will likely never manage to qualify to Pro race, but he shouldn't stop his race just because some random player drives backwards!)
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I'm not opening a real poll just because my aim is to get your opinion and your arguments. Unmotivated votes won't be considered.