Former world champion predicts three-way fight for pole in Imola
F1 News
Damon Hill believes three teams are in contention to finish in pole position for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. All Red Bull Racing, Ferrari and McLaren are close together after the free practice sessions, and the former world champion expects a close battle.
"We have got a definitely fight there at the front between both Ferraris, both McLarens and, of course, the Red Bulls. I don't think Mercedes are in that hunt, they are a little bit behind," Damon Hill summed up his thoughts ahead of qualifying on Sky Sports.
He continued: "We didn’t actually get to see what Red Bull's pure pace could have been, but I do think they are under pressure. It’s probably the least dominant they’ve been at any race we’ve been to in the last two years."
The end of FP3 was also chaotic, as the drivers had two minutes left after Sergio Perez's crash in Turns 14-15. If there is a short amount of time left in qualifying, similar events can be expected. "It was a bit frantic at the end, and we like a bit of frantic-ness. The heart was in your mouth. Magnussen nearly went into the back of Ricciardo, and Piastri into Gasly," Hill added.
Chandhok: 'It will be fun!'
Another pundit for Sky Sports, Karun Chandhok is looking forward to qualifying at the Italian circuit. "Absolutely game on. Ferrari vs McLaren vs Verstappen in the battle for pole. This is going to be fun!"
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31 May 2024
