Source -
Tyres NorthamptonF1's first European race of 2022 comes this weekend as the teams and drivers prepare for three days of competitive action, thanks to Sprint returning at Imola. The 100km dash will determine the grid for Sunday's race and shuffles Qualifying forward to Friday, giving fans something worthwhile to tune in for every day of this Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend.
With Ferrari looking so strong this year, expect the grandstands to reach a fever pitch around the north Italian circuit. The loyal Tifosi already have something to cheer for after the Scuderia announced that Carlos Sainz will remain at the team for a further two years in a deal that extends the Spaniard's contract until 2024. With teammate Charles Leclerc leading the Drivers' Championship and the Prancing Horse having a comfortable gap to P2 in the Constructors', it's a great time to support Ferrari.
However, the springtime weather may make life more difficult for the Italian team, with dark grey skies and wet weather looking likely to feature at some point. Saturday's Sprint is forecast to be dry, but a damp qualifying or race could even the playing field. If so, we may well see the first competitive use of the new 18" Pirelli wet or intermediate tyres at Imola. Thanks to the sprinkler-induced wet running at Barcelona back in pre-season testing, the teams have some data to work from, but any further running will be most valuable.
Of course, there are the standard dry weather tyres available all weekend, although with one fewer set thanks to Sprint replacing a Free Practice Session. So, instead, each driver has 12, rather than 13, sets of slicks for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, with Pirelli bringing over the C2, C3, and C4 compounds. That's the same trio they took to Saudia Arabia for Round 2, although the dedicated Imola circuit couldn't be any more different to Jeddah's streets.
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is also hosting Formula 2 and Formula 3 over the three days, plus it's the first round of the Porsche Supercup. The various series running here will see more tyre rubber on track for the F1 drivers to benefit from; unless the rain washes it away. Expect to see the lap times tumble as the weekend progresses if it stays dry as more grip seeps into the circuit.
With the teams racing in Europe for the first time, we may see a host of upgrade packages throughout the paddock as easier logistics to trial development options are made possible. Although Ferrari and Red Bull are the clear leading pair in the championship, the pecking order below is less clear. Mercedes should be occupying the third-best constructor position, but Alpine and the resurgent McLaren will be keeping a close eye on the eight-time champions. Any new parts brought to Imola could close the midfield up even more than they already are.
Imola also represents the first of two home races for Pirelli, with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza coming in September. The tyre supplier is well used to both circuits; these classic venues have hosted many race events, so don't expect a repeat of the short stints seen at the Bahrain Grand Prix due to unexpected tyre degradation. However, the temperature will be much cooler than the previous three 2022 rounds and coupled with the lower tyre blanket rule, the first lap after a pit stop could see drivers struggling for grip in the first half of their out lap.
Nothing is stopping this weekend from becoming the fourth thrilling Grand Prix from four rounds to start this season. With Sprint making its 2022 debut, too, there are double the chances of having a tremendous race to talk about next week. Remember, it's the first Sprint with the 2022 cars that can follow their rivals much closer, too, so clear your weekend's schedule – it will be a busy one.
To find out more about our comprehensive range of services, or to book your vehicle in, contact our friendly team of experts today.
