A grand prix in Italy is always a special occasion. It’s always a bit more special if a Ferrari driver wins the race. Could we finally see the Scuderia clinch that win at the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday May 17?
This race is being held at Imola and is a relatively new one on the Formula 1 calendar with it first being run just four years ago. In the past, Imola has staged the Italian Grand Prix in 1980, and between 1981 and 2006, was the venue for the San Marino Grand Prix.
Formula 1 is a sport that is also popular to place bets on. Just about anything can happen at any time. Gamblers in Canada for example will love to bet on this race and you can check the latest motorsport betting odds here.
Ferrari had a great deal of success when the San Marino Grand Prix was held at Imola. They won the race on eight occasions with only Williams being able to win the same number.
Fans had to wait 14 years for the next Grand Prix at Imola. It wasn’t something everyone was expecting as it wasn’t initially on the calendar. COVID-19 had been disrupting the season with several races not taking place. Eager to keep the season going, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was added to the calendar. It didn’t turn out to be a thrilling weekend for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc finished fifth with team mate Sebastian Vettel down in 12th place.
COVID-19 was still causing problems a year later. When the Chinese Grand Prix was cancelled, the decision was made to return to Imola again. And it was a very different atmosphere to that which is usually experienced at a Grand Prix. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the race was staged behind closed doors.
Charles Leclerc crashed his Ferrari in Friday’s second practice session. He did manage to qualify in fourth place but then spun his Ferrari in wet conditions during the formation lap. Leclerc finished fourth in the race with Carlos Sainz in fifth.
Ferrari were hopeful of a first win in this Grand Prix two years ago. Leclerc, who has this year signed a new contract with the team, was the Championship leader going into the race. It was rainy again at Imola and after losing ground at the start he could only finish sixth. Sainz struggled too with his Ferrari hit by Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull on the opening lap and his race was over.
Weather has played a key part in this race in recent years. In 2023 it didn’t take place at all due to flooding. Ferrari have made a promising start to the new season but still trail Red Bull. Max Verstappen who has won the race for the past two editions and he’ll again be out to make sure Ferrari don’t get that first win.
All eyes will however be on Carlos Sainz this time around as he is out of contract with Ferrari at the end of 2024 and needs to show he can deliver results. So far this year, he has been on the podium 100% of the races he has contested including winning the Australian Grand Prix. Could Sainz now deliver that exclusive win, finally..?
