The schedule for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola has been altered to avoid clashing with the funeral of Prince Philip.
The Duke of Edinburgh sadly passed away at the age of 99 last Friday.
His funeral will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor at 3pm UK time on Saturday April 17, the same day as qualifying for the Made in Italy and Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
And in a mark of respect, qualifying has been brought forward to 2pm (1pm British time) to avoid clashing with the funeral.
It also means Free Practice 3 on Saturday moves to 11am local time to ensure a two-hour gap between the end of that session and qualifying, as per the regulations.
On Friday, FP1, the opening session of the race weekend, will now begin at 11am local time, with FP2 following at 2.30pm at Imola (1.30pm British time).
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will go ahead as planned on Sunday at 3pm local time, while before qualifying there will be a minute’s silence in honour of Prince Philip.
Imola returned to the Formula 1 calendar last season as a late addition, providing one of the most memorable races of the season as Sir Lewis Hamilton led home a Mercedes one-two ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo.
Updated Emilia Romagna Grand Prix schedule
Friday April 16: Free Practice 1, 1100-1200 (1000-1100 British time)
Friday April 16: Free Practice 2, 1430-1530 (1330-1430 British time)
Saturday April 17: Free Practice 3, 1100-1200 (1000-1100 British time)
Saturday April 17: Qualifying, 1400 (1300 British time)
Sunday April 18: Race, 1500 (1400 British time)
