Oscar Piastri, an impressive front row… and reprieve at Imola

It is with restrained joy thatOscar piastri took part in the post-qualifying interview this Saturday in Imola. However, the Australian had just matched his career best performance in the exercise, by taking 2nd place in Q3, which had not happened since the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix. But perhaps he knew- It was already clear that his first line was in danger: in fact, the young 23-year-old pilot was put under investigation by the commissioners for having obstructed Kevin Magnussen at the end of Q1. When watching the video, it's hard not to think of a penalty for the driver McLaren...

Así ha interrupted Piastri la vuelta rapida de Magnussen. Possible criminalization#F1 #ImolaGP # Formula1 #McLaren #Challenge pic.twitter.com/zvnl6i6Ih5

— El Formularo (@elformulerof1) May 18, 2024

Apart from this incident, for which he was summoned by the race marshals at 18:15 p.m., Oscar Piastri was already focused on Sunday's race. If he does indeed start on the front row, the Australian could have a good chance of securing a podium, or even better in the event of an excellent start against Max Verstappen. Carried by the pace and behavior of his McLaren, the No. 81 believes he will be able to fight for victory during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 2nd qualifying at Imola : “It's quite a good [lap], even if I had a miserable last corner. Here it's so difficult to do a perfect lap, so I'm very happy. I feel comfortable with the car since we hit the track [Friday]. We are so close to pole, but I am very happy. It's been a long time since I qualified this high, I'm happy with how the weekend has gone so far. »

(On his ability to fight for victory on Sunday) " I think so ! Before, I would have said no, but our recent performances allow me to say yes! We'll see what we can do. We were definitely on the pace all weekend, and you can never leave out Max [Verstappen] and Red Bull as we have just seen. It's not the easiest track to overtake, but the confidence is high to do something good. »

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