Predictions for Race #2 – Imola

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Predictions for Race #2 – Imola – By Joe Murphy

After correctly Predicting a strong Perez comeback, a good result for McLaren and the correct front three for Bahrain, Joe Murphy from W2W Reports looks forward to the much anticipated second race of the season. After three weeks away from the sport, which feels like an eternity to many fans, let’s discuss what could await us this weekend.

Checo for a Podium

W2W Reports won’t be the only publication to predict this one. Sergio Perez was rightfully awarded ‘Driver of the Day’ for his Pit Lane to P5 efforts last time out in Bahrain. Should the Mexican not suffer such mechanical issues, there is no reason he cannot challenge both his team mate and the Mercedes pair to a spot on the podium. A solid qualifying will be key and Red Bull’s new signing certainly has the experience the team needs to illustrate that Red Bull are genuine and serious challengers for the constructors championship. It this prediction does come true, it will also deny a record being broken (albeit most likely temporarily) with Max, Lewis and Valtteri being one collective podium away from being the most common trio to spray the champagne. 

Seb to come back in style

After a pretty poor start by the Germans high standards last time out, Sebastian Vettel will certainly be looking to prove a point to any doubters. Imola provides the 4 time world champion an opportunity to show audiences what both he and his car are capable of. The talent is there. The car is there. A podium place might be a stretch, that’s true. However, a solid points finish around Ferrari or McLaren isn’t beyond the realms of possibility. Like with Checo, a solid qualifying is key for Seb.

Ferrari and Alpha Tauri to struggle

In Bahrain, there isn’t one Formula 1 fan who ever thought Ferrari would end a qualifying session P1 and P2. With both drivers scoring points last time out, it looks as if the team of the Prancing Horse has made progress. With Alpha Tauri, a hugely impressive qualifying was followed by an unlucky and stellar drive by Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda respectively, the latter making his debut lest we forget. Both teams hugely outperformed expectations, but there is reason for caution. Charles and Pierre especially are very good around the Sakir circuit. With Imola being a very different challenge, it could prove a more difficult one. If Alonso avoids paper bags this time out, Aston Martin show some form and Alfa Romeo keep improving, a points finish may turn out to be a rather more difficult challenge

A surprise driver to score a point

It would take a brave man to predict a Haas or Williams driver to get a single point. With good reason, it would take issues elsewhere plus a faultless drive from one of Russel, Latifi, Mazepin or Schumacher. However, at W2W Reports, we love to take a gamble. It’s the main reason behind getting the Crofty interview. With Imola certainly not lacking drama last year, the conditions could be set for a surprise. George for example came close to breaking his duck last year at this very circuit.

Valtteri to shine on Sunday

Don’t forget, last year, it took a safety car and some luck for Lewis Hamilton to win at Imola. Whilst the same could be said for Max not finishing ahead of the Finn, it could be Bottas on the top step this year. Lap times in Bahrain (as retweeted by Valtteri himself) show a near reflection to his team mate’s efforts. A botched pit stop and underwhelming qualifying scuppered his chances at better than third. With added pressure on his shoulders, with the fact all eyes will be on the Max v Lewis battle, you can expect Valtteri Bottas to surprise everyone and take the victory, even if Lewis takes Pole as can be expected.

Predictions for Qualifying result on Saturday:

Pole ⬇️
Hamilton                    Bottas

Verstappen                  Perez

Ricciardo                    Gasly

Norris                    Sainz

Leclerc                    Alonso