Marko has clear plan in mind: 'Starting on slicks is too risky'

Max Verstappen will start from pole position at the Imola Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. Helmut Marko hopes that the Dutchman will manage to finish the race-winning, although he knows that it will be difficult with the current track conditions.

The Formula 1 drivers will face a considerable challenge in Italy because the many raincoats on the track make it difficult to dominate the race. For Verstappen, it is, therefore, to be hoped that he can get away well at the start and in this way create a gap on Leclerc.

The tire strategy is also of crucial importance, as Marko knows. The Red Bull advisor knows that in the current conditions it is better to start with intermediates and then see how the weather develops. "Starting on slicks is too risky," he stressed to Viaplay.

Verstappen will have to watch his rear-view mirrors carefully during the start because Charles Leclerc will be trying hard to pass the Dutchman already on the first lap. Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz will start the race from third and fourth position respectively.