ELMS Returns To Imola: ELMS Preview
- therookiereporters
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
The European Le Mans Series is heading to Italy this weekend for the third round of this season, which is taking place at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari for 4 hours of pure endurance racing.
The Return to Imola
This weekend ELMS is finally back, for the 4 hours of imola. The teams are headed to one of the most historic circuits in Europe. After the first two competitive races, every point in the championship is becoming important for the fight in the LMP2, LMP3 and LMGT3.
Imola is known for its close and strategic racing, with not many opportunities for overtaking and small room for error. Finding the perfect balance between a good pace, tyre management and race strategy over 4 hours is something the teams will need to figure out for a good result.
A Circuit Steeped in History
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is located in the north of Italy. The circuit is 4.9 kilometers long with 21 corners, 12 to the left and 9 to the right. The circuit is known for the fast chicanes, flowing corners and elevation change, so this is one of the most technical tracks on the calendar.
Drivers will need to attack the kerbs through the famous Tamburello and Villeneuve chicanes, while keeping up the momentum through Piratella and Acque Minerali. Overtaking is going to be difficult, making qualifying and traffic management important. Timing the pit stops right is also going to be important throughout the whole race.
Championship Battle Heats Up
As we are at the midway point for this season, the pressure on the championship is building up across all three categories. The LMP2 remains competitive with multiple teams still in the fight for the championship, in the LMP3 and LMGT3 the teams have also shown some unpredictable racing throughout the first rounds.
In this race traffic management will be playing a key role, in particular for the faster cars through the GT field. A clean way out of the pits, avoiding penalties and making the right calls, are going to be just as important as the pace on race day. All the teams are hoping to build up momentum before the second half of the season, making it an important race on the calendar.
Weekend TimeTable (CET)
Friday
2:55: Bronze Driver Collective Test
10:50: Free Practice
Saturday
10:50: Free Practice 2
2:55 - 4:10: Qualifying
Sunday
1:00: 4 Hours of Imola
As the ELMS returns to one of the most iconic, the fans can expect some amazing 4 hours of racing. The drivers are ready for this weekend and so are the fans. So hopefully we will see some amazing action this race
Article Written by Zoë Wokke
