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FP1 live blog for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola

F1 LIVE | FP1 for the Imola Grand Prix

17 May at 11:30
  • Ben Stevens

Welcome to the first European race of the 2024 season at Imola. Max Verstappen leads the world championship by 33 points to his teammate Sergio Perez. Lando Norris moved up to fourth after his maiden win in Miami. The first of three free practice sessions begins at 12:30 (GMT)/13:30 (CET). 

F1 LIVE | FP1: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 

 

This weekend returns to the traditional format, with three free practice sessions, before qualifying on Saturday afternoon. This is particularly ideal to those bringing updates, including Ferrari and Red Bull. Rather than just 60 minutes of practice, they will get three lots of 60 minutes to test everything. Ferrari's upgrade is suggested to be significant, while Red Bull will also bring new bits to try and stay ahead of the competition. Oscar Piastri will also get more of the McLaren upgrades. He received some in Miami, but he will now be on par with Lando Norris.

Ollie Bearman will return to Formula 1 action in this session. He will drive for Haas as part of the mandatory rookie tests. Bearman competed in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier in the year on behalf of Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz. He still has less than three Grands Prix to his name so can still be used for the rookie practice sessions.

When is the next race in Italy? 

Last year's Imola Grand Prix was cancelled due to heavy rain and flooding in the local area. The event returns this year. Italy hosts two Grand Prix's, with the Italian Grand Prix coming later in the year at Monza, with the race taking place on September 1.