BREAKING: Ferrari make Charles Leclerc replacement decision at Imola GP after illness

Charles Leclerc is set to race as planned at this weekend's . That's despite missing media day on Thursday due to illness, forcing the team to consider alternative options if the Monegasque was too unwell to compete.

was supposed to speak to reporters at the team motorhome on Thursday afternoon, straight after held his own media session. But it never took place with the team confirming that their driver from Monaco was unwell.

But Leclerc was spotted walking into the paddock on Friday morning. And a Ferrari spokesperson has now confirmed that he is set to drive in the first two practice sessions of the weekend, seemingly feeling better for having had the previous day off.

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As a precaution, Ferrari have prepared their reserve driver for this weekend to take over in case he was needed. Antonio Giovinazzi, who last raced in for in 2021, was set to get the nod over their other backup u.

Friday's action will provide a good test of whether Leclerc is well enough for the competitive action, which begins on Saturday with qualifying. Drivers need to only take part in one practice sessions to be eligible for qualifying and the race.

So if Leclerc was unable to cope with the stresses of driving an F1 car for whatever reason in practice, Ferrari still have the option of swapping him out for Giovinazzi on Saturday morning so that the Italian can participate in final practice before qualifying.

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