Motosport General discussion tread --- Formula1, MotoGP, WTCC, ETCC, DTM.....

[FanEagle]

I think it was Imola last season where things were flooded and they couldn't race there, right? Not sure if I remember it right but that does feel like it could be the possibility. I mean it is clear that we are going to end up with a result that would not be all that easy to handle if the rain is that high again.

Plus, FIA and F1 has been quite strongly against racing during very bad weather, it is not like back in the day, because back in the day we could have seen racers even in terrible conditions, but these days we are talking about much better racing, and a lot more safety. Meaning, if the rain is a lot, we have seen stuff like Belgium, and it looks like Imola will have some rain, not sure how much but I hope it won't be a lot like last year.

[joniboini]

I think it was Imola last season where things were flooded and they couldn't race there, right? Not sure if I remember it right but that does feel like it could be the possibility. I mean it is clear that we are going to end up with a result that would not be all that easy to handle if the rain is that high again.

Yeah, there was a flood last year which affected the race and the people around it in general[1]. The rain is quite extreme, though I'm not sure if it has been like this for years or has worsened recently.

Tsunoda, who lives near Imola, seems quite excited for the weekend though[2]. He also claims that the people move on quickly after last year's disaster. If there's no flood I think the race will still continue as usual. CMIIW.

[1] https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12883591/emilia-romagna-gp-why-formula-1-had-to-call-off-2023-race-amid-heavy-flooding-in-italy-near-imola
[2] https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/276110/tsunoda-tells-of-imola-floods.html

[LTU_btc]

I think it was Imola last season where things were flooded and they couldn't race there, right? Not sure if I remember it right but that does feel like it could be the possibility. I mean it is clear that we are going to end up with a result that would not be all that easy to handle if the rain is that high again.

Plus, FIA and F1 has been quite strongly against racing during very bad weather, it is not like back in the day, because back in the day we could have seen racers even in terrible conditions, but these days we are talking about much better racing, and a lot more safety. Meaning, if the rain is a lot, we have seen stuff like Belgium, and it looks like Imola will have some rain, not sure how much but I hope it won't be a lot like last year.

I'm looking at weather forecast and rain is expected on Sunday only and now it's shown in morning hours, not afternoon. So, I guess there is no danger for race. But if we will have rain during race, there is high chance of red flags, Imola doesn't looks like safest track to race in wet conditions.

[swogerino]

I think it was Imola last season where things were flooded and they couldn't race there, right? Not sure if I remember it right but that does feel like it could be the possibility. I mean it is clear that we are going to end up with a result that would not be all that easy to handle if the rain is that high again.

Plus, FIA and F1 has been quite strongly against racing during very bad weather, it is not like back in the day, because back in the day we could have seen racers even in terrible conditions, but these days we are talking about much better racing, and a lot more safety. Meaning, if the rain is a lot, we have seen stuff like Belgium, and it looks like Imola will have some rain, not sure how much but I hope it won't be a lot like last year.

I'm looking at weather forecast and rain is expected on Sunday only and now it's shown in morning hours, not afternoon. So, I guess there is no danger for race. But if we will have rain during race, there is high chance of red flags, Imola doesn't looks like safest track to race in wet conditions.

In the season before this or 2 seasons ago there were the same kind of weather and that did not impact the race,well it impacted it really bad in fact as Charles Leclerc got a spin because of just a few rain drops in the track and he was pushing really really hard to keep the lead or to catch Verstappen,don't remember well know.If the same conditions are expected then it is going to be a good race to watch.I would love just those few drops of rain in such a legendary track,now also McLaren looks strong enough to go for another victory here,greatly depending on how good they qualify in the official qualifying session.I am very much looking forward to this race as one of the most beautiful of all seasons.

[Distraction]

Imola track is a place Verstappen is successful on. There aren't many tracks on which he isn't successful though.    He is the winner of the 2021 and 2022 races here. However as you also indicated there wasn't a race here last year unfortunately because of the floods. But this time thankfully it doesn't look like we will see the same incident.

Still there is rain probability on race time. It can make the race more exciting for us truthfully. Hamilton is a rain master but unluckily he has a slow car.  

I expect a Ferrari podium this week thanks to the upgrades they are bringing. But will it be with both cars? We will see.

[swogerino]

Imola track is a place Verstappen is successful on. There aren't many tracks on which he isn't successful though.    He is the winner of the 2021 and 2022 races here. However as you also indicated there wasn't a race here last year unfortunately because of the floods. But this time thankfully it doesn't look like we will see the same incident.

Still there is rain probability on race time. It can make the race more exciting for us truthfully. Hamilton is a rain master but unluckily he has a slow car.  

I expect a Ferrari podium this week thanks to the upgrades they are bringing. But will it be with both cars? We will see.

I forgot about the upgrades and it is not that important if both cars or just one of them is getting the fully upgraded package,what is important is to notice on track during the race that it is making a difference and that it can make the race more beautiful to watch.Both Ferrari drivers are still mathematically in place to fight for becoming Champions,as are some other drivers as well,as long as upgrades keep bringing real increased performance it is nice for all these drivers.

[Republikcoin.com]

It will still take some time, and perhaps something will be changed in the new specifications.

The reduction in displacement could result from a slightly lighter bike that is a bit more agile and faster in the corners than the current one, but this is pure speculation on my part.

It's no problem speculating about the changes that will come to a world championship like MotoGP, but if we look briefly at the past MotoGP also used 800cc engines without winglets and excessive technology (like in the 1000cc era). The agility of the motorbike was really visible at that time apart from the agility of the rider riding the motorbike itself, because the competition presented by the four riders who often dominated at that time really made the history of MotoGP even more extraordinary. The four riders I mean are Velantino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa.

[coinlocket$]

good news or bad news?
According to Google we have 40% rain for Sunday during the Formula 1 race in Imola.

Furthermore, good weather is forecast for tomorrow and Saturday.

Norris also said today that he will fight for victory.
Maximum curiosity for Ferrari which will bring a huge update (according to them) of the car.

[retreat]

I really hope to see a good race, but my expectations are low because this track is very boring and only is fun for the drivers who like to drive there because they said is like a karting track, but for us is a very tricky race and one where the spots to overtake are very low. Maybe some Safety car can bring emotion.

I don't think that the Imola race will be a boring race, because I want to see how the upgrade from Ferrari will be in this race and how the rain might be challenged, because it is predicted that rain will occur during the race. This will be a race that is really worth watching, because we can see how McLaren has also improved their performance and Red Bull is starting to lose their dominance. I'm quite excited about the race, especially since this race will take place at 7pm in my country, so the timing is perfect for me.

[swogerino]

I really hope to see a good race, but my expectations are low because this track is very boring and only is fun for the drivers who like to drive there because they said is like a karting track, but for us is a very tricky race and one where the spots to overtake are very low. Maybe some Safety car can bring emotion.

I don't think that the Imola race will be a boring race, because I want to see how the upgrade from Ferrari will be in this race and how the rain might be challenged, because it is predicted that rain will occur during the race. This will be a race that is really worth watching, because we can see how McLaren has also improved their performance and Red Bull is starting to lose their dominance. I'm quite excited about the race, especially since this race will take place at 7pm in my country, so the timing is perfect for me.

I think that the race will be exactly beautiful for those reasons.I hope that just some drop of rains makes it even more interesting to watch as this track is legendary and super technical,the driver if given a near equal car can make a huge difference in this track so that Ferrari upgrade we all talk about in the right hands of the best driver of Ferrari which no is not Leclerc but the guy who is leaving at the end of the season can make wonders,so let's see if also Sainz get the upgrades and what type of driving to expect from him as for McLaren I know they work day and night and have brought the car from miseries to victories lately.

[FanEagle]

I mean if there was a race there, I am sure that with the car they had and the difference to every other car, Max would have won anyway, it was a miracle that he didn't finish all the races as the winner last season, dude almost had the perfect year that nobody ever had.

In formula one, it is quite hard to win all races, maybe one day that will happen, but until then even the best one Max had was just obvious that one unlucky situation and suddenly you are nowhere to be found, your car could break, someone may hit you, your tires could explode even, it is not really known before the race what will happen, you just hope that your car will run fine, and no issues will happen with the race so that you could end the race as the winner as expected.

[retreat]

-snip-

I don't think that the Imola race will be a boring race, because I want to see how the upgrade from Ferrari will be in this race and how the rain might be challenged, because it is predicted that rain will occur during the race. This will be a race that is really worth watching, because we can see how McLaren has also improved their performance and Red Bull is starting to lose their dominance. I'm quite excited about the race, especially since this race will take place at 7pm in my country, so the timing is perfect for me.

I think that the race will be exactly beautiful for those reasons.I hope that just some drop of rains makes it even more interesting to watch as this track is legendary and super technical,the driver if given a near equal car can make a huge difference in this track so that Ferrari upgrade we all talk about in the right hands of the best driver of Ferrari which no is not Leclerc but the guy who is leaving at the end of the season can make wonders,so let's see if also Sainz get the upgrades and what type of driving to expect from him as for McLaren I know they work day and night and have brought the car from miseries to victories lately.

Well, I also hope that at least Sainz can get a podium in this race, at least he can get a good result in this race, because this is his last race at Imola with Ferrari before his contract ends. And he should be able to give a better performance, because compared to Charles, his performance is actually a little better, it's just because of bad things some time ago that made him lag behind.

[tokeweed]

Is anybody watching FP1?  I see the two Ferrari drivers at the top with Russell with just 16 minutes to go.  Lol.  I guess nothing could really be said except Red Bull doing the whole sand bag FP1, give a little at FP2 and a little more at FP3 before going all out at quali.  

And I'm hearing Verstsppen is competing in a sim racing event too?  What a psycho...  But I guess he's having fun, so good for him.

[Distraction]

Is anybody watching FP1?  I see the two Ferrari drivers at the top with Russell with just 16 minutes to go.  Lol.  I guess nothing could really be said except Red Bull doing the whole sand bag FP1, give a little at FP2 and a little more at FP3 before going all out at quali.  

And I'm hearing Verstsppen is competing in a sim racing event too?  What a psycho...  But I guess he's having fun, so good for him.

I have been watching the session. Ferrari drivers look really promising for the weekend just as I hoped for.    What do you say for a Ferrari pole in the qualifying session tomorrow?    I think Ferrari really have no joke about that. We all know Ferrari have been better when it comes to qualifying performances. This upgrade can push one of the drivers to top in Imola.

But for the race... It is hard to believe in Ferrari. They need a similar help to the one happened to Norris in the last race.

I hope Leclerc wins a race as soon as possible. The last time he did was in the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix. 

[coinlocket$]

2024 F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Free Practice Results (1)
Pos   Driver   Nat.   Team   Time
1   Charles Leclerc   MON   Scuderia Ferrari   1m16.990s
2   George Russell   GBR   Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team   1m17.094s
3   Carlos Sainz   ESP   Scuderia Ferrari   1m17.120s
4   Sergio Perez   MEX   Oracle Red Bull Racing   1m17.233s
5   Max Verstappen   NED   Oracle Red Bull Racing   1m17.240s
6   Yuki Tsunoda   JPN   Visa Cash App RB F1 Team   1m17.388s
7   Lewis Hamilton   GBR   Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team   1m17.408s
8   Lando Norris   GBR   McLaren F1 Team   1m17.602s
9   Oscar Piastri   AUS   McLaren F1 Team   1m17.807s
10   Fernando Alonso   ESP   Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team   1m17.876s
11   Pierre Gasly   FRA   BWT Alpine F1 Team   1m17.905s
12   Lance Stroll   CAN   Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team   1m18.072s
13   Daniel Ricciardo   AUS   Visa Cash App RB F1 Team   1m18.142s
14   Esteban Ocon   FRA   BWT Alpine F1 Team   1m18.612s
15   Oliver Bearman   GBR   MoneyGram Haas F1 Team   1m18.667s
16   Valtteri Bottas   FIN   Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber   1m18.827s
17   Zhou Guanyu   CHN   Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber   1m19.129s
18   Logan Sargeant   USA   Williams Racing   1m19.901s
19   Alex Albon   THA   Williams Racing   1m20.050s
20   Nico Hulkenberg   GER   MoneyGram Haas F1 Team   1m21.059s

1st hour has been completed con Ferrari ahead, a good sing.

Source: https://www.crash.net/f1/results/1048553/1/2024-f1-emilia-romagna-grand-prix-friday-practice-results

[Distraction]

FP2 results:



So far Leclerc is really consistent by finishing both sessions as the leader.    McLaren looks promising for this weekend also but let's see. In 20 minutes, FP3 is going to start. We would get more realistic times there I guess as it is the last FP session before qualifying.

Verstappen looks quite slow though. However I still don't want to think like there is something wrong. We are talking about a Red Bull - Verstappen combination. I expect Verstappen to have his usual performance during qualifying.

[tokeweed]

Judging from FP1 to FP3, we could have an interesting qualifying coming up in less than a couple of hours.  Will Verstappen and Red Bull come out on top like they usually do?  Possible...  But what will Ferrari have in store for us with the new upgrades and the motivation since it's their home turf?

And here's another thing...  Will McLaren surprise everyone?  :/  

2024 F1 Emilia Romagna GP FP3

1   Oscar Piastri   AUS   McLaren F1 Team   1m15.529s
2   Lando Norris   GBR   McLaren F1 Team   1m15.829s
3   Carlos Sainz   ESP   Scuderia Ferrari   1m16.067s
4   Charles Leclerc   MON   Scuderia Ferrari   1m16.087s
5   George Russell   GBR   Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team   1m16.095s
6   Max Verstappen   NED   Oracle Red Bull Racing   1m16.366s
7   Alex Albon   THA   Williams Racing   1m16.470s
8   Esteban Ocon   FRA   BWT Alpine F1 Team   1m16.481s
9   Lance Stroll   CAN   Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team   1m16.543s
10   Nico Hulkenberg   GER   MoneyGram Haas F1 Team   1m16.547s
11   Daniel Ricciardo   AUS   Visa Cash App RB F1 Team   1m16.560s
12   Sergio Perez   MEX   Oracle Red Bull Racing   1m16.631s
13   Yuki Tsunoda   JPN   Visa Cash App RB F1 Team   1m16.669s
14   Valtteri Bottas   FIN   Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber   1m16.695s
15   Logan Sargeant   USA   Williams Racing   1m16.794s
16   Kevin Magnussen   DEN   MoneyGram Haas F1 Team   1m16.923s
17   Lewis Hamilton   GBR   Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team   1m16.960s
18   Fernando Alonso   ESP   Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team   1m17.339s
19   Pierre Gasly   FRA   BWT Alpine F1 Team   1m17.361s
20   Zhou Guanyu   CHN   Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber   1m17.891s

Interesting how Leclerc is the favorite to get first in quali at 2.75 and Verstappen is at 3.  If the books think one of the Ferraris get pole position would it be worth it to put a little something for Sainz at 10?

[Pulsar77]

Qualifying session is still going on and we are in Q3 now. There have been surprising eliminations like Alonso in Q1 and Perez in Q2 now. It's really unbelievable to see Perez messing it up like that. 

His elimination is because of his own mistake as well by the way. Perez is slowly returning to his bad look in the 2nd part of the 2023 season recently. This isn't good at all for his future at Red Bull. He isn't confirmed to keep his seat next season for now. Red Bull might think of a replacement maybe who knows. 

Who do you say for the pole? There is a fierce Verstappen - Leclerc fight. Maybe a chance for Leclerc here?

[retreat]

-snip-
Who do you say for the pole? There is a fierce Verstappen - Leclerc fight. Maybe a chance for Leclerc here?

I am very optimistic that Charles can get a podium in this race, seeing how he consistently got good positions in the free practice and qualifying sessions. However, it seems that we will see how the race will be quite tough for him, because there is Verstappen and the McLaren duo in front of him, and Sainz also doesn't seem to want to lower his ego to allow his teammate to get first position. But I hope that Ferrari can at least win this race because it's been a while since they won on their home turf.

[swogerino]

-snip-
Who do you say for the pole? There is a fierce Verstappen - Leclerc fight. Maybe a chance for Leclerc here?

I am very optimistic that Charles can get a podium in this race, seeing how he consistently got good positions in the free practice and qualifying sessions. However, it seems that we will see how the race will be quite tough for him, because there is Verstappen and the McLaren duo in front of him, and Sainz also doesn't seem to want to lower his ego to allow his teammate to get first position. But I hope that Ferrari can at least win this race because it's been a while since they won on their home turf.

The win looks difficult so far for Ferrari unless some crash puts out of the positions Max and McLaren and this is the only possibility for Ferrari to win a race.I doubt they can fight in the race pace and they win during the laps there against Verstappen and McLaren during tomorrow race.It is going to be interesting as we have a really different starting grid for the first 10 drivers for the first time this season and as I have said before,beautiful races start when Europe races start.We are in the legendary track of Imola where racing action is guaranteed and I am very much looking forward to that race for tomorrow.