Introduction: The Historic Imola Circuit
Commonly known as Imola, the historic Formula 1 circuit just outside Bologna is officially named the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. The Grand Prix, which was previously held under the flag of San Marino, is now recorded as the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, or even more formally, the Gran Premio del made in Italy E Dell’Emilia-Romagna. Despite the mouthful of a name, the most important thing is that Imola is back on the Formula 1 calendar. Everything about Imola breathes Formula 1, from the village through which the circuit runs, to corners with famous names like Tosa, Piratella, Rivazza, and Tamburello. The latter is as infamous as it is famous, as it was in Tamburello that the legendary Ayrton Senna met his end in 1994 while driving his Williams.
Imola is a feared circuit, as it was here that Roland Ratzenberger also lost his life in the same weekend as Ayrton Senna, and Rubens Barrichello was fortunate to escape with ‘only’ some broken bones.
In more recent history, Imola has become known for thrilling duels, such as the 2005 battle between Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher. A year later, Dutchman Christijan Albers unintentionally made headlines at Imola by rolling over after being torpedoed by Yuji Ide.
Key Facts about the Emilia-Romagna GP:
– Inauguration: 1952
– First F1 Race: 1980
– Location: Imola
– Length: 4.909 km
– Number of Corners: 19
– Most Victories: Michael Schumacher (7)
– Lap Record: Lewis Hamilton (1:15.484 in 2020)
Recent Winners of the Emilia-Romagna GP:
– 2022: Max Verstappen
– 2021: Max Verstappen
– 2020: Lewis Hamilton
– 2006: Michael Schumacher
– 2005: Fernando Alonso
– 2004: Michael Schumacher
The Return and the Tifosi
Between 2006 and 2019, the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit was not visited by Formula 1, as there was more money to be made elsewhere. However, in the ‘corona year’ of 2020, it reappeared on the calendar, and thanks to support from the surrounding industrial region, the Grand Prix at Imola has remained on the calendar ever since.
The track remains popular with the tifosi, the loyal Ferrari fans who have had the pleasure of cheering for their Scuderia eight times. Williams has won just as often, with McLaren claiming six victories. Michael Schumacher is by far the most successful driver, with seven wins. Max Verstappen has won twice at Imola, including the memorable rain race of 2021. Ayrton Senna, who tragically died at Imola, stood on the top step of the podium three times.
Emilia-Romagna GP 2024 Schedule
Friday, May 17
– 13:30 – 14:30 First free practice
– 17:00 – 18:00 Second free practice
Saturday, May 18
– 12:30 – 13:30 Third free practice
– 16:00 – 17:00 Qualification
Sunday, May 19
– 15:00 – 17:00 Race
