After another week's break, Formula 1 is back racing. It will be there first European stage of the season, and it won't be just any stage. We are in fact in Italy, to Imola, let's discover together one of the most iconic circuits in the world.
Imola in the name of Ferrari and Schumacher, but above all Ayrton
The circuit Enzo and Dino Ferrari of Imola it is a permanent route located in the municipality of Imola, in Emilia Romagna. It extends for 4909 meters, Presents 19 curves ed only one DRS zone on the main straight. Inaugurated in 1953, the track hosted the highest category of motorsport from 1980 until 2006, before returning to the calendar in 2020. In addition to being one of the most successful circuits on the calendar, it is iconic for some not so happy events. On the weekend of 1994 two runners lost their lives: Roland ratzenberger ed Ayrton Senna. The first during free practice, the second on the eighth lap, crashing at the exit of the Tambourine after a steering column malfunction.
On Italian soil, the Brazilian had won 3 times higher, but the most successful in Imola is Michael Schumacher 7, followed by Senna e Cheers. Among the stables, Ferrari e Williams they stand out with 8, followed by McLaren 6. Speaking of pole position, we still see Senna at the top of the standings 8 (of which 7 in a row between 1985 and 1991). The absolute track record belongs to Valtteri Bottas (2020) in 1'13 "609, while the official one a Lewis Hamilton (2020) in 1'15 "484.
Watch out for wear and tear in Imola. Full wings for everyone
The Italian route is mainly characterized by curve. Almost all of them face each other in third or fourth gear, While the Piratella and the first of Mineral Waters i am ad high speed. The only real straight is the finish line, where you will also have the opportunity to open the mobile wing. All this, combined with asphalt abrasive and to escape routes where she has been gravel increased, make the route a “tire killer”. Therefore, pay attention to the wear of the tyres, which could become so damaged as to generate graining. This forms when the tire overheats, and with good management, it might too clean yourself up. Otherwise it can be decisive for the performance of the car, as reduces grip.
The setup. The teams seem to have shown up with wings from medium-high load. The stables therefore decided to give up the maximum speed to give space to a greater aerodynamic load. Additionally, a more loaded wing can help decrease tire wear.
Max favorite? Yes, but McLaren and Ferrari are there
It's time for predictions. From mid-2022 to today, there would only be one favorite: Max Verstappen. For this weekend, the Dutchman remains the most likely to win the grand prix. However, they are both worth keeping an eye on Ferrari and McLaren. The Red will bring a great one update package on home soil, and he certainly won't want to disfigure himself in front of the fans. The English team, however, has already shown its improvements to Miami, and in Italy too Oscar piastri will have all the updates available. If it turns out to be a race like the American one, we might see one three-way race to win.
ARTICLE BY FRANCESCO ORLANDO
