The Formula 3 Championship returns to the iconic Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola for Round 3 of the 2025 season, marking the commencement of a demanding triple-header.
Imola Kicks off F3 Triple-Header
After a mid-season hiatus, teams and drivers are eager to resume competition on this historic Italian circuit.
Let’s dive deeper into the highlights awaiting this race weekend, Circuit details and the introduction of the Aramco Pole Position Award.
Imola’s Technical Demands: A Circuit Overview
Imola’s 4.909km layout is renowned for its combination of high-speed straights and technical corners, demanding precision and skill from the drivers. The track’s narrow confines and limited runoff areas leave little room for error, making qualifying performance crucial.
Tyre management will also play a significant role, with medium compounds provided for the weekend.
The old and smooth track surface, combined with potentially high temperatures, could lead to notable tyre degradation, especially on the rear tyres, challenging to maintain balance throughout the race.
Rookies Return to Familiar Territory
Rookies have faced challenges in the opening rounds, adapting to unfamiliar circuits. However, many are now returning to tracks they know well, like Imola, which could lead to improved performances.
Important Facts Ahead of the Race Weekend
Rafael Camara currently leads the season with two victories, while Santiag0 Ramos and Nikola Tsolov have secured one win. Ramos, in particular, arrives with confidence after claiming pole position at Imola the year before.
So far, 11 different drivers have finished on the podium this year, though Câmara is the only one to do so twice. Among the current grid, only Tim Tramnitz and Noel León have previously stood on the F3 podium in Imola.
Historically, the circuit has also served as a benchmark for title contenders – Victor Martins in 2022 and Leonardo Fornaroli in 2024 both reached the podium here en route claiming victory in the last two Imola Feature Races thanks to Roman Stanek and Sami Meguetounif, alongside dominant qualifying performances.
Who Has an Advantage This Weekend?
Several drivers and teams are poised to capitalize on the weekend’s opportunities. Trident, the Italian squad has a strong track record at Imola, having won the last two Feature Races at the circuit.
Campos Racing, bolstered by a strong in-season test in Barcelona, aims to translate that pace into race results, with drivers like Goethe showing promising form.
Rookies such as Lindblad and Stenshorne, who have already secured podiums this season, may benefit from returning to familiar European circuits, potentially improving their performances.
Additionally, Fornaroli and Ramos, who have prior success at Imola, could leverage their experience to gain an advantage.
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Introduction of the Aramco Pole Position Award
Adding to the excitement, the F2 and F3 Championships have introduced the Aramco Pole Position Award starting this weekend. This new accolade will be presented to the driver who secures pole position during Friday’s qualifying session, recognizing their exceptional performance.
The award features a contemporary design utilising materials like carbon fibre, symbolising Aramco’s commitment to innovation and technology. The inaugural presentation of this trophy will take place at 16:35 CET in the F3 paddock at Imola.
“This is another exciting milestone in our partnership with the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 Championships, as we continue supporting their efforts to progress toward lowering emissions.
“We are also proud to play a part in the development of young talent and the next generation of F1 drivers. We hope this innovatively designed trophy becomes a coveted addition to the F2 and F3 championships.
“This trophy builds on our success to date as the supplier of lower-carbon fuels to all 52 F2 and F3 cars. F2 & F3 serve as key testing grounds, seeing how these fuels perform on the track to learn how to develop lower-carbon fuel alternatives to comventional fuels in the future.” – Khalid A. Al Zamil, Aramco’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications.
Weekend Schedule
Local time: UTC/GMT +2
Friday, May 16:
- Free Practice (45 min): 09:55
- Qualifying (30 min): 15:05
- Aramco Pole Position Award Presentation: 16:35
Saturday, May 17:
- Sprint Race (18 laps; 40 min + 1 lap): 10:05
Sunday, May 18:
- Feature Race (22 laps; 45 min + 1 lap): 08:30
As the championship battle intensifies, Imola promises to deliver thrilling racing action. With tight competition at the top of both the Drivers’ and Teams’ standings, every point gained or lost this weekend could have significant implications for the season ahead.
With Imola marking the beginning of three consecutive race weekends, the key question is whether the familiar surroundings will help drivers overcome the circuit’s demanding challenges.
Only time will tell who can truly capitalize on their past experience and turn it into a competitive edge.
READ NEXT: F2 Exclusive: Leonardo Fornaroli on F3 Fight and F2 Ambitions
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 16.05.2025
