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The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is taking place against a backdrop of severe doubts over Imola’s Formula One future, writes Andy Martin. The deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix remain etched on F1’s psyche but the demanding Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari has been the scene of some of the sport’s most-compelling races. Here are three of the best:
Giles Richards
When Hamilton announced he was to switch to Ferrari from Mercedes at the start of last season, the tifosi knew there was a full season to go before their man would don the scarlet but even at this race last year his arrival was being celebrated. The most successful driver in the sport’s history finally united with the oldest and most successful marque and the dream of finally ending the Scuderia’s drivers’ championship drought stretching back to 2007.
Giles Richards’ qualifying preview:
Preamble
Speaking after Friday’s practice, reigning drivers’ champion Max Verstappen summed up the current outlook in the paddock: “I got overtaken by the McLarens, so that says enough. They pull away.”
It is not advisable to read too much into just practice but McLaren look a class apart at the moment. Oscar Piastri has won four of the first six races and outpaced Lando Norris in both sessions on Friday, ending up 0.025 seconds quicker than his teammate. Earlier today, Norris edged ahead of the Australian, finishing a tenth of a second quicker.
Logic follows that the McLaren pair will finish atop the qualifying standings, but when it comes to who place after Piastri and Norris the picture is less clear. Earlier today Verstappen set the third fastest time on the mediums, meaning four of the top 10 set their best time on those tyres. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was third quickest yesterday, but fell back into the pack today. Is this a George Russell week for Mercedes or will the Ferraris shine in front of the tifosi?
Qualifying starts at 3pm UK time
