The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix takes place this weekend for the sixth round of the 2023 Formula One season, amid fears of a wash-out in Imola.
Weather warnings and forecasts of rain are rife around the Italian circuit ahead of what is a traditional favourite of the calendar, as the home race of Ferrari.
Whether Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz can get close to the dominant Red Bulls remains to be seen, with Max Verstappen reasserting his authority in the F1 title race a fortnight ago in Miami.
Sergio Perez has not enjoyed much luck in Emilia Romagna over the years, only securing one podium, and will face a revamped threat from Lewis Hamilton after a raft of upgrades from Mercedes.
Fernando Alonso is also out to continue his impeccable start to the season, after yet another podium in the last race.
When is the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix?
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix takes place this weekend, on Sunday May 21, 2023.
What time is the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix?
The full session schedule is as follows (all times BST):
- First practice: Friday, 12.30pm
- Second practice: Friday, 4pm
- Third practice: Saturday, 11.30am
- Qualifying: Saturday, 3pm
- Race: Sunday, 2pm
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weather forecast
A red-alert weather warning has been put in place for Emilia Romagna due to forecasts of severe rainstorms as the race approaches, with F1 personnel evacuated from the paddock on Tuesday due to fears of flooding.
The Santerno river that runs next to the track could also prove problematic as rainwater descends from the nearby Appenine Mountains. Approximately 150mm is predicted to fall on Wednesday.
The forecast suggests the weather will improve on Thursday, at which point circuit staff may face a race against the clock to ensure parking and spectator areas are fit for the thousands of spectators arriving a day later.
At time of writing, the grand prix is forecast to take place in largely rainy (but more manageable) conditions, making the prospect of a wet race likely.
Where to watch the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
TV channel: The full weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with race coverage on Sunday starting on F1 at 12.30pm. Free highlights are available on Channel 4 at 6.30pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can tune in online via the Sky Go app.
