The 2022 Formula 1 season makes its first visit to Europe this weekend, racing at the popular Imola circuit. Here is everything you need to know about the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, including the UK start time and how to watch.
Heading into round four, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc holds a commanding 34-point lead over second-placed George Russell. The Italian outfit will hope to capitalise on an impressive start to the season on home soil.
In contrast, reigning World Champ Max Verstappen is reeling after two retirements in the first three races. He is in sixth, already 46 points down on Leclerc. The Red Bull driver will hope for a turnaround in fortunes at the historic Imola.
Meanwhile, in the midfield battle, Italian teams AlphaTauri and Alfa Romeo are bringing some upgrades to their ‘home’ race. Alfa are planning on floor modifications for their car, whilst AlphaTauri are hoping a range of new parts can boost them up from eighth in the constructor’s standings.
Imola: A piece of history
Also known as the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola returned to the F1 calendar in 2020. Following the success of the 2020 race, F1 bosses have since confirmed that they will race at Imola until 2025.
However, before this, the Italian circuit had not hosted a Grand Prix since 2006. It is part of the fabric of F1 history, as much for its tragedy as its iconic status.
Read: Sebastian Vettel warns F1 about the ‘horrible’ idea of losing more historic Grand Prixs.
Imola is arguably most famously known as the place where the legendary Ayrton Senna lost his life in an accident in 1994. His death, caused by an incident at the previously super-fast Tamburello corner, led to drastic revisions to the high-speed track.
Despite this, the circuit is still very quick and narrow, a real challenge for the drivers. It is undoubtedly an incredible spectacle – so here is what you need to know to make sure you don’t miss it.
What is the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix UK start time?
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has a much more fan-friendly UK start time of 2pm on Sunday, April 24th. However, a slightly different weekend format means there is more F1 action to enjoy.
Qualifying takes place on Friday this weekend, starting at 4pm UK time. This session will set the grid for a sprint race on the Saturday.
Sprint races were trialled on three occasions last season to positive reviews. They are short races that take place the day before the Grand Prix, where the result will set the grid for the Grand Prix. To watch drivers battle it out for the Grand Prix pole in the sprint race, tune in at 3.30pm on Saturday.
How you can watch the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Fans in the UK can catch the entire weekend on the Sky Sports F1 channel. For Sky customers, this is channel 406. Alternatively, Virgin Media viewers can find this channel at number 506.
Additionally, the qualifying on Friday and sprint race on Saturday will also be on Sky Sports Main Event. This is channel number 401 for Sky and 501 for Virgin Media.
How much will it cost?
You will need an active Sky Sports subscription to catch all the action at Imola. Viewers with a NOW TV pass will also be able to watch too. If you are on the go, you can watch the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on the Sky Go app.
The cost of Sky Sports F1 currently comes in at £18 per month. On the other hand, Sky’s limited time offer (correct 21/04/2022) gives you all 8 Sky Sports channels for £20 a month.
If you prefer the NOW TV route, a day + month membership for mobile streaming is £11.98. A different option is a monthly Sports membership to the tune of £20 a month for three months.
What about the Emilia Romagna GP highlights?
Missing the live action? No problem.
Channel 4 are showing highlights of qualifying on Saturday at 6.45pm. They are also providing Grand Prix highlights on Sunday evening, starting at 6.30pm.