The first sprint event of the 2022 season is set to prove even more challenging for Formula 1 drivers due to the risk of rain during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix weekend.
For the first time this season, there is over 50% chance of rain affecting an official session – which could have consequences for the entire weekend.
The revised race weekend schedule for sprint weekends sees a single practice session on Friday afternoon before qualifying in the evening. There is a high likelihood of rain over the Imola circuit on Friday morning, with a 57% chance of rain when the first practice session gets underway at 1.30pm local time. The risk of rain will lower before the start of the evening qualifying session, but with just under a 20% chance of rain before the start of Q1.
Saturday’s sessions – final practice and the sprint race – are likely to be dry, however. Clear, sunny skies are expected over the circuit once second practice gets underway, with temperatures reaching a high of just over 20C. A slight cover of cloud should form by the time the field line up for the sprint race, with a minimal risk of rain.
On Sunday, there is a another slight risk of rain for the start of the race, but likely only light showers if there is any precipitation during the course of the race.
Last year’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was also affected by rain. The race started in very wet conditions and the track dried out during the course of the race. Max Verstappen won the race after taking the lead at the start as Lewis Hamilton recovered from an off midway through the race and benefiting from a red flag stoppage to take second place, with Lando Norris in third.
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