START your engines as Formula One returns today with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Ferrari superstar Charles Leclerc finds himself at the top of the charts after winning two of the opening three races.
Follow along with our F1 Emilia Romagna GP live blog
Charles Leclerc cruised to victory in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix
But Max Verstappen is on pole for this one after being forced to retire in two of the first three races.
As for Lewis Hamilton, his season has got off to an awful start.
The Brit already says he is not in contention for an eighth world championship and starts down in 14th position today.
What time is the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2022?
The big event is taking place throughout the weekend of Friday, April 22 to Sunday, April 24.
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Imola in Emilia Romagna, Italy is the designated course for the highly anticipated race which is hoping to have 80,000 fans in attendance without restrictions.
Today’s race gets going at 2pm UK time.
The full weekend schedule is as follows:
Friday, April 22
- Practice One – 12.30pm
- Qualifying – 4pm
Saturday, April 23
- Practice Two – 11.30am
- Sprint – 3.30pm
Sunday, April 24
- Race – 2pm
What TV channel is the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on and can I live stream it?
ALL the action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 throughout the entire weekend.
Coverage of the Sprint will commence from 2:30pm UK time whilst Sunday’s build-up to the main event is scheduled to start at 12:30pm UK time.
And Channel Four will be showing the highlights in the evening.
Subscription members have the option to live stream all coverage via the Sky Sports website or Sky Go app on any device.
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A Sky Sports Day Pass from Now TV is also available to purchase for those who do not have access to Sky.
What is the sprint and how does it change things?
The Sprint is a shortened race around a third of the distance of the tacks which sets the grid for the final race on Sunday.
It was introduced in the calendar last season (Silverstone, Monza, Interlagos) and it added to the excitement of each event.
However, there is a slight change this time around because the top eight drivers during the sprint will score points from eight down to one in the corresponding order.
As opposed to 2021 when only the top three were able to score numbers on the board.
They will the form their grid slots in those positions which only then will the regular points scoring apply.
Current standings
Driver / Team / Points
- Charles Leclerc / Ferrari / 71
- George Russell / Mercedes / 37
- Carlos Sainz / Ferrari / 33
- Sergio Perez / Red Bull Racing / 30
- Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes / 28
- Max Verstappen / Red Bull Racing / 25
- Esteban Ocon / Alpine / 20
- Lando Norris / McLaren / 16
- Kevin Magnussen / Haas / 12
- Valtteri Bottas / Alfa Romeo / 12
- Daniel Ricciardo / McLaren / 8
- Pierre Gasly / Alphatauri / 6
- Yuki Tsounda / Alphatauri / 4
- Fernando Alonso / Alpine / 2
- Zhou Guanyu / Alfa Romeo / 1
- Alexander Albon / Williams / 1
- Mick Schumacher / Haas / 0
- Lance Stroll / Aston Martin / 0
- Nicholas Latifi / Williams / 0
- Nico Hulkenberg / Aston Martin / 0
- Sebastian Vettel / Aston Martin / 0
What has been said?
Following his poor start to the 2022 campaign, Mercedes icon Lewis Hamilton has demanded that his team need a huge response if they want him to obtain an eighth Championship.
Hamilton said: “I will be on Zoom calls with our bosses, and really trying to rally them up,” said Hamilton.
“We have got some improvements that we need to make and we need everyone’s support in doing so.
“It is about making sure we leave no stone unturned, that the hunger is there and we are maximising every moment.
“I will be chasing the people in the wind tunnel, the aerodynamic guys, and just looking at every single area.”
As for Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque driver is excited with the challenge that awaits and he is hoping to capitalise on his 34-point lead.
Leclerc stated: “Obviously we only had the third race, so it’s difficult to think about the Championship but to be honest, we’ve got a very strong car, a reliable car too.
“We’ve always been there, so I hope it continues like this and if it does, the we probably have chances for the Championship which obviously makes me smile.
“It’s great to be back in this position.”
