What’s changed in qualifying for the F1 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix?

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A change to qualifying is set to be trialled in San Marino for the F1 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.

Instead of drivers being able to choose any tyre compound at Imola they want during each segment of qualifying, they will now be mandated to use a specific type of tyre for each section.

What is the format for qualifying in Emilia Romagna?

In the first qualifying session or Q1, drivers will be forced to us the white-walled Hard tyres.

The hard tyre is rarely seen in qualifying, although proved to be very quick in Miami last weekend.

Those who make it through to the next session, Q2, will only be allowed to use the yellow-walled Medium compound.

Finally, the top 10 drivers who make it to the pole position shootout will have the opportunity to run on the Soft tyres.

The only exception to this experiment is if the wet weather arrives at Imola this weekend, which has been predicted.

In that scenario, drivers will be free to choice whichever compound they like, either the Intermediate or Full Wet tyre.

Although most drivers usually gravitate towards the Soft rubber for its instant grip, they will have to make do with the Hard and Medium compounds for the earlier segments of qualifying.

The time allocated for each segment of qualifying remains unchanged at 18-15-12 minutes.

Pirelli looking to create more sustainable Grand Prix weekends

To make things more challenging, the total number of dry weather tyres available to each driver has also been reduced from 13 sets for the weekend to 11.

This means drivers will have access to three sets of Hard tyres, four Medium, and four Softs for the three practice sessions, Qualifying, and the race.

It’s not just about adding more excitement to the qualifying rounds, but this new scheme will also save two tyre sets per car per weekend, which would accumulate to 46 sets over the entire season.

With a 20-car grid, almost 1000 tyres wouldn’t have to be created or shipped around the world, helping Pirelli to reduce its carbon footprint.

Who was on pole position in Emilia Romagna last season?

Last year’s pole position was secured by Max Verstappen, ahead of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. He went on to secure the fastest lap and a win in a dominant display and securing his second career grand slam.

It will be interesting to see who comes out on top this year with the new tyre rules in place.

One thing is for sure: the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2023 is going to be a nail-biting, tyre-squealing experience for drivers and fans alike!