Motor Racing Antonelli brings the school to the track for Home F1 debut

By Alan Baldwin Imola, Italy, May 15 (Reuters) -Kimi Antonelli was unable to attend the school as he became a Mercedes Formula One driver, so the 18-year-old brought his classmates to the racetrack before his home debut this weekend. The Bologn-born driver enjoys staying at home for the race in Imola, a ride east along the Roman via Emilia, but he is much attention as the only manager of Italy in Ferrari’s backyard. “We were able to organize it for the school,” he said after his entire class arrived in the Paddock on Thursday. “I think it’s a good way for them to see this world with their own eyes.” We arranged a few activities … I’ll show them the car and explain a little without going too much in detail. It’s a great way to keep the relationship because I don’t spend a lot of time at home, so I don’t see them regularly. “Antonelli still intends to take his Maturita, the Italian diploma exam in high school and has worked on it.” I try to study as much as possible, especially in the small moments I have for free. I also get help from the school to try to catch up, because I certainly missed a lot of work during this time, “the newcomer said.” But it is not easy because it also takes energy and effort. Especially before such an important weekend, it is very important to manage the side, not to do too much to save energy. “But when I’m home or have some time, I try to do a little just to stay active and catch up as much as possible.” Antonelli, who took the place of Seven Times World Champion Lewis Hamilton when the Brit moved to Ferrari in January, is the top smoking this season after scoring in five of his six races so far. The Italian, who first passed his driving test in January, is already the latest F1 driver to take a pole position of any kind – in the Miami Sprint this month – and set the fastest shot and lead a race. Imola will pay attention to another level, and the race is also coming to a luxury scenes, as the local football side Bologna won the Italian cup on Wednesday to secure their first major trophy in 51 years. “This weekend will drain emotionally and spiritually – a home race in front of the Italian fans and my family and friends will attend,” said Antonelli, who dreams of a first podium. “A normal weekend is already very tiring and draining, so it’s like double. Of course I’m going to try to protect myself. The fact that I have really good people around me really helps. “It will be very exciting at the same time. I think the energy is going to be incredible and it can be used to do even better on course. I am very much looking forward to seeing how we are going this weekend. ‘(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis)