The reigning Formula 1 world champion, Max Verstappen, will be on pole for Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola in Italy.

Verstappen clocked the fastest time in qualifying to equal the late Ayrton Senna's record of eight-consecutive pole positions. Ironically, this is the same track where the Brazilian great, Senna, tragically lost his life just over 30-years ago to the day.

Verstappen set the benchmark at 1:14.746 in qualifying, while he will be joined on the front row of the grid by McLarens' Australian driver, Oscar Piastri who recorded a time of 1:14.820.

Verstappen said it has been difficult week thus far and the changes made to the car before qualifying seemed to be spot-on.

“It was a really difficult weekend so far, even this morning, so incredibly happy to be on pole,” said Verstappen.

“I didn't expect that - we made some changes before qualifying and it seemed to feel a bit better and this track is unbelievable.

“To be so fast, so close to the gravel - I touched the gravel a little on my final lap. I'm still pumping and the adrenaline is incredible.”

Piastri's teammate and winner of the recent Miami Grand Prix, Lando Norris, qualified in third in 1:14.837.

Charles Leclerc was the fastest Ferrari driver and qualified in fourth at the 'Home of Ferrari', while his teammate, Carlos Sainz, will start fifth on the grid.

George Russell was the fastest Mercedes-Benz driver in qualifying and will start in sixth, while his Silver Arrows, teammate and seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, will start in 8th.

Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari will get underway at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport