Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was originally not on the 2020 Formula 1 calendar. F1 spent 14 years away from the Imola circuit in Italy, it made a return due to the coronavirus schedule reshuffle. Similar can be said about the 2021 event. A race wasn't due to take place in Imola on the initial schedule, but with the Chinese Grand Prix being postponed, F1 announced that it will make another surprise return.
Third Italian Grand Prix in 2020
From the moment the first Grands Prix was cancelled in 2020, Imola started to prepare a replacement race. After several weeks of negotiations between the circuit, the FOM and Liberty, it was made official that Formula 1 will race again on the 5.44 kilometre long circuit.
The circuit southeast of Bologna has 17 corners with fairly long straights. Officially the circuit was called Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
In 2006, Formula 1 raced at Imola under the name 'Grand Prix of San Marino' for the final time. Compared to then, adjustments have been made to the track to make it safer. The Variant Bassa chicane for the start and finish disappeared.
Lewis Hamilton won the 2020 race after benefiting from a VSC. Bottas started from pole and was the first Mercedes driver to pit. Hamilton attempted a long stint but the VSC dropped presenting him with the ideal chance to pit. Max Verstappen was on for a podium finish, but his tyre exploded in the second half of the race. This ensured that Mercedes finished one-two, and pushed Daniel Ricciardo to the podium. It would've been a podium for Perez, but Racing Point decided to pit under the final safety car.
It was Renault's second podium of the 2020 season, but luckily for Cyril Abiteboul, it didn't mean two tattoos.
What time does the Imola Grand Prix start?
The Imola Grand Prix can be followed from half-an-hour before the start in the live blog of GPBlog. Michael Masi will be the race leader at 14:00 hrs and will turn off the lights for the start of the second race in the 2021 season.
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