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Why Has the Imola Grand Prix Race Schedule Changed? What are the New Timings?

ByArpit Gomes

Modified Apr 16, 2021 | 3:08 PM EDT

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The Bahrain Grand Prix was one of the most thrilling races in recent Formula One history. The next round of the season takes us to Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The race weekend will take place from 16-18th of April.

However, the timing of the session has been changed as the Duke of Edinburgh, unfortunately, passed away and his funeral will be held on Saturday. So, in order for the funeral not to clash with the session, they had to change the timings of their sessions.

The funeral will be held on the 17th of April. The final practice session and the qualifying session from 14:00-15:00 CET, as the royal funeral, will start from 1500.

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Another rule for a race weekend is one that isn’t well established. It requires that the time between the second practice session on Friday and the final practice session on Saturday must be at least 19 hours.

Hence Formula One have moved the practice session on Friday by half an hour. Free practice session 2 will happen between 14:30- 15:30 CET.

Another rule states that there has to be a 19-hour gap between the first two practice sessions. So FP1 will take place between 1100-1200 CET.

A minute’s silence will be held ahead of the qualifying session.

This weekend's schedule has been adjusted as a mark of respect for the funeral of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Saturday's sessions are 1 hour earlier; Friday moves back 30 minutes
There will be a minute's silence ahead of qualifying pic.twitter.com/Cy5ZnscDio
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 13, 2021

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The Formula One community comes together to remember Prince Philip

Formula One team took to social media to honor the Duke of Edinburgh. Most notably, British teams such as McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams paid respect to the royal family.

Everyone at Aston Martin is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this time. pic.twitter.com/lfjpDFszhu
— Aston Martin (@astonmartin) April 9, 2021

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All at McLaren are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We join with people around the world in mourning his loss, and our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/xL7LDk9vjZ
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) April 9, 2021

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We are saddened to learn of the passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
His life was dedicated to the service of his country, which he did with an unwavering devotion.
Our deepest sympathies go to The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/m4Iexue6Cb
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) April 9, 2021

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Who’s the broadcasting rights for the Grand Prix

Fans of Formula One can watch the upcoming Grand Prix on SkySports, they can watch all practice sessions as well as qualifying. Channel 4 can show the highlights of the race.

Across the UK, other sporting events also changed the schedule so that the funeral timings don’t clash. It is only right that Formula One followed suit and made the necessary changes.

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ALSO READ- 2021 Emilia Romagna GP: Where to Watch and What Time Is F1 Qualifying In Imola?