System 1 returns to the historic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola this weekend for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. It’s the first F1 race on the circuit since 2022, as flooding within the area a yr in the past compelled the cancellation of final season’s race.
For Visa Money App RB F1 crew it is usually a house occasion, with the circuit simply 15 kilometers from their Faenza manufacturing facility. Which means quite a lot of acquainted faces within the stands, and quite a lot of expectations for the crew.
“This weekend sees the beginning of the European season for System One and it’s a particular race for Visa Money App RB because the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola is just 15 km from our base in Faenza,” mentioned Alan Permane, the crew’s Sporting Director, of their media preview. “It’s very a lot our house race and we may have the pleasure of seeing quite a lot of our manufacturing facility workers within the grandstands over the weekend.”
As for the circuit itself, Permane outlined the challenges that the drivers face this weekend.
“The circuit options very high-speed modifications of course, loads of elevation change and a few tough kerbs to grasp. A compromise between a stiff automobile for the excessive pace and a few compliance to journey the kerbs is required,” added Permane. “Pirelli are bringing their softest [tires] within the vary which is one step softer than has been used right here previously. We shall be trying to maximise mileage with each drivers on Friday to optimise qualifying and race efficiency.”
Daniel Ricciardo is wanting ahead to these challenges.
“The circuit is enjoyable and difficult, actually quick and fairly slim, actually high-speed chicanes and a qualifying lap round there’s a lot enjoyable,” mentioned Ricciardo. “It’s actually on the sting with some undulations within the chicane the place you type of actually smash the kerbs, so it does create a difficult race, making qualifying necessary.
“Overtaking, though potential, is trickier round extra of this type of old-fashioned circuit. It will possibly create a troublesome setting if you’re attempting to be aggressive and overtake round there, however this can be a problem that all of us face and attempt to get pleasure from. All of us haven’t raced there for a few years now, so it’s going to be good,” added Ricciardo. “I actually liked my first time there in 2020; it was only a actually pleasant circuit to drive and a very good expertise so, I’m excited to return.”
The return of the grid to Imola brings again reminiscences for Yuki Tsunoda, who recalled the flooding within the area a yr in the past. Tsunoda was considered one of many residents of the area who lent a hand in the course of the restoration effort.
“The flood had an enormous influence, there was mud all over the place and there are people who have misplaced all the pieces: their home with all the pieces inside; their belongings and reminiscences, pictures. It’s fairly unbelievable how the entire metropolis and entire area of Emilia-Romagna recovered proper after, how individuals labored collectively to a minimum of clear the roads with the intention to journey round,” recalled Tsunoda.
“It was spectacular to see how the individuals had been serving to one another. Individuals who weren’t affected simply went round city with shovels and baskets asking if they might assist individuals they didn’t even know,” added the motive force. “My home was not affected, however I couldn’t simply stand nonetheless and take a look at the others serving to, so I took the shovel and went to town centre, which was massively affected, and began to wash the streets.”
As for the race itself, Tsunoda loves each the technical components of Imola, and the prospect to race in entrance of your entire group.
“The observe itself, I actually prefer it. It’s very technical, numerous medium-high pace corners and high-speed chicanes so it’s a bit like Suzuka however barely narrower. It’s at all times pleasant to drive and I’ve quite a lot of good reminiscences there,” added the motive force. “I’m excited to return and see particularly our VCARB grandstand crammed with the individuals who work so exhausting again within the manufacturing facility so I can drive a quick automobile. We’re lastly in a position to drive in entrance of manufacturing facility individuals alongside those that help us, and I hope the crew can obtain lead to entrance of them!”
The crew is coming off a really productive week in Miami, that noticed each Ricciardo and Tsunoda end within the factors within the F1 Dash Race with six factors between them, after which Tsunoda tacked on six extra factors for the crew with a seventh place end within the Miami Grand Prix itself. VCARB heads to Imola sitting sixth within the Constructors’ Championship with 19 factors on the yr, 12 factors away from seventh place Haas.
