FP3 Results & Report 2024 Emilia Romagna F1 GP

Event: Emilia Romagna F1 GP
Track: Autodromo Imola

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38 during the Emilia Romagna GP at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on Saturday May 18, 2024 in imola, Italy. (Photo by Mark Sutton / LAT Images)

Weather: dry  23.8°C
Tarmac: dry  43.7°C
Humidity: 43%
Wind: 9.3 km/h South

Piastri Shines Amidst Chaos in Final Practice at Emilia-Romagna GP

The third and final practice session for the 2024 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix delivered an action-packed prelude to what promises to be an intense qualifying session. The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, nestled in the heart of Italy, was the scene of high drama as drivers battled for supremacy ahead of qualifying.

Piastri Leads the Way for McLaren

Oscar Piastri emerged as the fastest driver in a disrupted FP3 session, showcasing impressive pace for McLaren. The young Australian navigated through significant traffic and red flag interruptions to set the quickest time, narrowly edging out his teammate Lando Norris, and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

Red Flags and Near Misses

The session was marred by several incidents, the most notable being Fernando Alonso's spin into the barriers at Rivazza. The Spaniard lost control of his Aston Martin, resulting in significant damage to his car and bringing out the first red flag. Alonso was later cleared by the medical team and returned to the paddock, but concerns linger about potential gearbox damage.

Sergio Perez also found himself in trouble late in the session. The Mexican driver hit the barriers at Variante Alta, causing the second red flag. Perez's accident disrupted the final minutes of FP3, forcing many drivers to abandon their flying laps.

Traffic and Impediments

The congested track conditions led to several drivers being noted for impeding others. Oscar Piastri was noted for weaving behind Pierre Gasly’s Alpine, while Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda, and Kevin Magnussen were also noted for similar infractions. Magnussen had to run wide to avoid a collision, highlighting the chaotic nature of the session.

Ferrari's Home Advantage

Charles Leclerc, who topped both Friday practice sessions, continued to show strong form. However, a tangle with Piastri in the final moments of FP3 hampered his attempt to set a fast lap. Despite this, the Ferrari camp remains optimistic, buoyed by the passionate support of the home crowd.

Carlos Sainz also demonstrated solid pace, finishing just behind the McLaren duo. Ferrari’s updated car seems to be performing well, with both drivers looking competitive heading into qualifying.

Mercedes and Red Bull's Mixed Fortunes

Mercedes had a mixed session with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell struggling to find clear track space. Hamilton's frustration was evident over the radio, as he questioned the two-second gap to the front runners. Russell managed to set competitive times but remains cautious about their chances in qualifying.

Red Bull’s day was equally challenging. Max Verstappen struggled with his car’s balance, making several trips through the gravel, while Perez’s crash added to their woes. However, the team remains hopeful of a strong showing in qualifying, with both drivers working on set-up changes overnight.

Aston Martin's Gearbox Concerns

With Alonso’s crash, Aston Martin faces a potential gearbox change, which would be his third of the season, adding to the team’s challenges. Technical experts have noted the urgency in assessing and possibly replacing the gearbox to avoid further penalties later in the season.

Looking Ahead to Qualifying

As the teams regroup and prepare for qualifying, the importance of track position at Imola cannot be overstated. With overtaking being notoriously difficult, a good qualifying result will be crucial. The stage is set for a thrilling session, with the possibility of unexpected twists and fierce battles for pole position.

Fans and teams alike will be on the edge of their seats as they await the start of the qualifying session. Will Piastri’s impressive form continue? Can Ferrari deliver a home victory? And how will Red Bull and Mercedes respond under pressure? Join us shortly to find out.

Last FP3 before this one (back in 2021) Verstappen was fastest during FP3. He did one lap of Imola in 1:14,958 min with the Red Bull RB16B also on a dry tarmac.

FP3 Times Table 2024 E. Romagna GP

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