What are the risks of rain for the Imola Grand Prix?

For the first time this season and since the start of the new aerodynamic era, rain could play spoilsport in Formula 1. We take stock of the chances of precipitation this Friday near Imola a few hours before testing free 1.

Published on 22/04/2022 à 09:12

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F1 – What are the chances of rain for the weekend at Imola?

In 2021, rain disrupted the Grand Prix. © Florent Gooden / DPPI

In recent weeks, there has been no need for rain to enjoy a lovely spectacle in Formula 1. The superb Leclerc battles-Verstappen in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have indeed greatly enlivened the start of the season. But inevitably, when we learn that rain could be expected on a race weekend, there is always this little excitement that rears its ugly head, with hopes of overturning the established order and expected surprises. larigot puller.

This is good, because this is precisely the case in light of the first European round contested at Imola (April 22-24). A particularly anticipated weekend since it notably marks the holding of the first sprint race of the year. To carry out its weather forecasts, the FIA has entered into a partnership with Météo France, and AUTOhebdo has access to forecasts made by the official meteorology and climatology service in France.

Qualifying in the rain at Imola?

Thus, at the time of writing (9 a.m. this Friday morning), free practice 1 (13:30 p.m.-14:30 p.m.) appears extremely threatened by rain, since the chances of precipitation are estimated at more than 80%. Regarding the qualification scheduled for later in the afternoon (17 p.m.-18 p.m.), we expect around 60% risk of precipitation over the first half hour with a high possibility of a lull at the end of the session (40% risk of rain only).

Saturday is mainly forecast to be cloudy, with a few rays of sunshine. Therefore, it should not rain during the second free practice session (12:30 p.m.-13:30 p.m.) with only a 20% chance of precipitation. Equivalent conditions expected for the sprint race contested at 16:30 p.m. this Saturday, with however a temperature on the track expected to be twice as high as the day before (between 25 and 30° Saturday, between 12 and 14° Friday). Finally, for now, the forecast for the Grand Prix on Sunday (15 p.m.) suggests cloudy conditions with only a 20% chance of rain, which is quite low.