Piastri Sets the Pace in Imola's Final Practice Session as Alonso and Perez Crashes Cause Red Flags
ICARO Media Group
Oscar Piastri claimed the top spot in the third and final practice session at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. The impressive performance from the young driver saw him lead the way, with McLaren teammate Lando Norris following closely behind, along with the two Ferrari drivers.
The session initially saw Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc delight their home fans by securing a one-two lead for the Scuderia. However, the final 10 minutes of practice brought about significant changes in the timesheets as drivers opted for fresh soft tires in a bid to push for improvements.
But just as Piastri clocked the fastest time, Sergio Perez suffered a loss of control of his Red Bull at the Variante Alta's exit. This unfortunate incident resulted in red flags being brought out, forcing other drivers to abandon their laps.
Once the session was back underway, Norris made a remarkable move, slotting himself between Piastri and the Ferraris, securing the second-fastest time. George Russell, in his Mercedes, delivered an impressive performance and clinched the fifth position, while Max Verstappen settled for a sixth-place finish in the other Red Bull.
Midway through the session, there was another moment of drama when Fernando Alonso crashed his updated Aston Martin at Rivazza. The crash presented a significant repair job for the Spanish driver's mechanics ahead of qualifying.
The high-octane session showcased the intensity and competitiveness of the drivers as they geared up for race day. Excitement filled the air as fans watched several standout moments from FP3, capturing the thrilling action on the track.
The stage is now set for a thrilling race in Imola as the drivers prepare to battle it out for the top spot. With Piastri proving his skill and determination, it remains to be seen if he can maintain his impressive form during the race.