Now I may be imagining it, but didn't the F1 rules used to stipulate extra practice sessions at new circuits ?

I'm sure I recall 2 hour practice sessions on a Thursday at previous new tracks, maybe back in the 80's ?

Does anyone else recall this ?

The last one I can remember was in 1997 when F1 returned to Austria

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=11746&FS=F1

I think it was optional, but I'm not sure. I recall there was an idea for additional practice session in Valencia but the teams couldn't agree on details so it was ditched.