Sainz started the Saturday sprint event at Imola in 10th place after crashing out in Q2, and he put in a charging drive up to fourth place behind Max Verstappen, who won the sprint race, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez. Sainz will start Sunday's grand prix from that position.
Sainz admitted that the qualifying crash had been a low from which he has to learn lessons, but said his recovery drive had "put ourselves in the fight" for a strong result.
