A smart tyre choice enabled Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll to achieve surprising fifth and sixth qualifying positions for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. The event marked the debut of Pirelli’s new C6 compound, an even softer tyre than the C5, aimed at enhancing competition on street circuits and reducing the likelihood of one-stopping races. However, questions remain about the authenticity of Aston Martin’s improved performance following this upgrade.