Imola Circuit facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Imola Circuit

Configuration for FIA sanctioned events
Configuration for FIM sanctioned events
Location	Imola, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Time zone	CET (UTC+1) CEST (DST)
Coordinates	44°20′28″N 11°42′48″E / 44.34111°N 11.71333°E / 44.34111; 11.71333
Capacity	78,000
FIA Grade	1
Broke ground	22 March 1950; 75 years ago (1950-03-22)
Opened	25 April 1953; 72 years ago (1953-04-25)
Former names	Autodromo Dino Ferrari (1957–1988) Autodromo di Imola (1953–1956)
Major events	Current: Formula One Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (2020–2022, 2024–2025) San Marino Grand Prix (1981–2006) Italian Grand Prix (1980) FIA WEC 6 Hours of Imola (2011, 2024–present) ELMS 4 Hours of Imola (2013–2016, 2022, 2024–present) Former: Grand Prix motorcycle racing City of Imola motorcycle Grand Prix (1996–1999) Italian motorcycle Grand Prix (1969, 1972, 1974–1975, 1977, 1979, 1988) San Marino motorcycle Grand Prix (1981, 1983) World SBK (2001–2006, 2009–2019, 2023) FIM EWC (1966, 1982, 2002–2003) MXGP (2019–2020) Ferrari Challenge Finali Mondiali (1998, 2022, 2024) International GT Open (2009–2011, 2021) FIA WTCC (2005, 2008–2009) FIA GT (2004–2005) Imola 200 (1972–1978, 1980–1985) World Sportscar Championship (1965, 1974, 1984)
Grand Prix Circuit (2008–present)
Length	4.909 km (3.050 mi)
Turns	19
Race lap record	1:15.484 ( Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W11, 2020, F1)
Motorcycle Circuit (2009–present)
Length	4.936 km (3.068 mi)
Turns	20
Race lap record	1:45.727 ( Chaz Davies, Ducati Panigale V4 R, 2019, World SBK)
Grand Prix Circuit (1995–2006)
Length	4.959 km (3.081 mi)
Turns	22
Race lap record	1:20.411 ( Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F2004, 2004, F1)
Grand Prix Circuit (1980–1994)
Length	5.040 km (3.132 mi)
Turns	22
Race lap record	1:24.335 ( Damon Hill, Williams FW16, 1994, F1)
Grand Prix Circuit (1973–1979)
Length	5.060 km (3.144 mi)
Turns	20
Race lap record	1:33.610 ( Gilles Villeneuve, Ferrari 312T4, 1979, F1)
Original Grand Prix Circuit (1953–1972)
Length	5.018 km (3.118 mi)
Turns	12
Race lap record	1:27.700 ( Helmut Marko, BRM P167, 1972, Group 7)

The Imola Circuit, officially known as the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, is a famous motor racing track in Imola, Italy. It is about 4.9 kilometers (3.05 miles) long. The circuit is named after Enzo Ferrari, who started the Ferrari car company, and his son, Dino Ferrari.

The track first opened in 1953 for motorcycle races. It has a special license, called an FIA Grade One license, which means it can host the biggest races, like Formula One.

Imola has hosted many important Formula One races. It was home to the San Marino Grand Prix for many years, from 1981 to 2006. Safety at the track became a big concern in the 1980s and 1990s. This was especially true for a fast corner called Tamburello. After some serious accidents, including the death of Ayrton Senna in 1994, the track was changed to make it safer.

Formula One stopped racing at Imola in 2007. The circuit then had major updates. Formula One returned in 2020 with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. This race is considered a home event for the Scuderia Ferrari team, which is based nearby.

Besides Formula One, Imola has hosted many other exciting races. These include the Superbike World Championship and the European Le Mans Series. It has also been used for road bicycle races, like stages of the Giro d'Italia.

History of the Imola Circuit

Original layout of the Imola Circuit with no chicanes (1953–1972)

The Imola track first opened in 1953. Back then, it was called the Autodromo di Imola. It was a very fast track with no slow-down sections called chicanes. The long straight sections had only a few small bends. This original layout was used until 1972.

The first motorcycle races happened in April 1953. The first car race followed in June 1954. In 1963, Imola hosted its first Formula One race. It was not a championship race, but it was still a big event. Jim Clark won that race for Lotus. Another non-championship Formula One race took place in 1979. Niki Lauda won it for Brabham-Alfa Romeo.

In 1980, Imola officially joined the Formula One World Championship. It hosted the 1980 Italian Grand Prix. This was a special moment because it was the first time since 1948 that the Autodromo Nazionale Monza did not host the Italian Grand Prix. The race was a big success. Because of this, a new race, the San Marino Grand Prix, was created just for Imola. This race was held every year from 1981 until 2006.

Imola has also been a regular host for the Superbike World Championship since 2001. It also hosts the final race of the FIM Motocross World Championship since 2018.

Many other racing series have visited Imola. These include the World Touring Car Championship and the International GT Open. The track also hosted the 6 Hours of Imola endurance race. This race was part of the European Le Mans Series and returned in 2022 as the 4 Hours of Imola.

The circuit has also been used for cycling events. It was part of the route for the 1968 UCI Road World Championships. Italian cyclist Vittorio Adorni won that race by a huge margin. The circuit was also used for stages of the 2015 Giro d'Italia and the 2018 Giro d'Italia. In 2020, it hosted the start and finish of the 2020 UCI Road World Championships.

Safety Changes at Tamburello

The circuit's layout at the time of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

The circuit layout changed after 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, used between 1995–2006

Even with some chicanes added over time, there were always worries about safety at Imola. The biggest concern was the Tamburello corner. This was a very fast corner with little space between the track and a concrete wall.

Several drivers had serious crashes at Tamburello:

• In 1987, Nelson Piquet crashed badly and missed the race.
• In 1989, Gerhard Berger crashed his Ferrari at high speed. His car caught fire, but he survived thanks to quick help from firefighters.
• In 1991, Michele Alboreto had a huge crash but was not hurt.
• In 1992, Riccardo Patrese also crashed there.

Because of these accidents and the tragic events of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, major changes were made to Tamburello. It was changed from a flat-out (full speed) left turn into a slower left-right-left chicane. A gravel trap was also added to help slow down cars that went off track.

Other parts of the track were also changed for safety. The Villeneuve corner was made slower with a gravel trap. The chicane at Acqua Minerali was removed to make that section faster again. The Variante Bassa was also changed.

Another important change was made to the Variante Alta chicane. This corner was known for causing damage to cars and many accidents. Before the 2006 Grand Prix, the kerbs (raised edges) were lowered, and the turn was made tighter. This helped reduce speeds and accidents.

The Grand Prix was removed from the Formula One calendar in 2007. The circuit owners worked hard to make more improvements.

Recent Updates and Return to Formula One

Aerial photo of the circuit.

Since 2007, the Imola circuit has had many big updates. A new bypass was added to the Variante Bassa chicane for cars. This made the section from Rivazza 2 to the first Tamburello chicane completely flat-out, like the original fast track. However, the chicane is still used for motorcycle races.

The old pit garages and paddock (where teams work) were torn down and completely rebuilt. The pitlane was also made longer and resurfaced. A famous track designer, Hermann Tilke, oversaw these changes.

In 2008, the FIA (the main racing authority) gave the track a special "1T" rating. This meant it could host official Formula One tests. By August 2011, the track received the top "1" rating. This rating is needed to host a Formula One Grand Prix.

In 2015, Imola's owners discussed bringing Formula One back. They hoped to host the Italian Grand Prix if Monza could not renew its contract. In 2016, Imola signed a deal to host the Italian Grand Prix from 2017. However, Monza secured a new deal, and Imola's plans did not happen then.

In February 2020, Imola offered to host a race if the Chinese Grand Prix was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 24, 2020, it was confirmed that Imola would host a race. It was called the "Emilia Romagna Grand Prix" to honor the region. This event was unique because it took place over two days instead of the usual three. Imola stayed on the Formula One calendar for 2021 and 2022. The 2023 Grand Prix was canceled due to severe floods in the region. Imola is set to host a Formula One Grand Prix until 2025.

The current president of the circuit is Giancarlo Minardi, who used to run an F1 team.

Layout History

Lap Records

The fastest official race lap record for the current Grand Prix circuit is 1:15.484. This was set by Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes W11 during the 2020 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Non-Motorsport Events

The Imola Circuit is not just for racing! Since 1981, it has hosted the Mostra Scambio. This is a large outdoor market where people can show and trade old vehicles and their parts.

The track has also been a venue for major music concerts:

• Heineken Jammin' Festival (1998–2006)
• Sonisphere (2011)
• AC/DC – Rock or Bust World Tour (2015)
• Laura Pausini – Pausini Stadi (2016)
• Guns N' Roses – Not in this Lifetime Tour (2017)
• Mario Biondi (2019)
• Pearl Jam – Gigaton Tour (2022)

Sometimes, the local government allows people to walk or cycle on the track. This is a fun way for the public to experience the famous circuit.

See also

In Spanish: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari para niños