Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc set the benchmark in the opening practice for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, beating Mercedes racer George Russell and his team-mate Carlos Sainz.

Following a tough start to the current season, Williams will bring a host of upgrades in the forthcoming races with the aim of saving weight on its FW46.

Visa Cash RB team's racing director Alan Parmane expects the cars that can handle high kerb well to excel on the old-school layout of the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is eager to bounce back from a difficult Miami Grand Prix where he only finished fourth despite encouraging pace in the opening part of the weekend.

Formula One’s sole tyre supplier Pirelli has elected to spice things up in the Imola F1 round by bringing its three softest compounds to the Autodromo di Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel organized a track run in memory of two racing legends, three-time F1 champion Aryton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.