The Imola circuit is enterprise an enormous overhaul because it goals to maintain the door open to an System 1 return.
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari returned to F1 in recent times as a COVID 19 stop-gap and was subsequently awarded a three-year contract extension to 2025. However with the variety of European races coming beneath strain, and F1 internet hosting two races in Spain in 2026 – in Barcelona and Madrid – the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix needed to make method for 2026.
As an alternative, Imola has commissioned a long-awaited overhaul, aimed toward diversifying its year-round choices whereas additionally getting ready for a possible F1 return sooner or later.
Regardless of its exclusion from the 2026 calendar, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari is working with the Municipality of Imola to modernise its amenities, in order that it is going to be prepared in case a chance opens up.
Given the more and more excessive monetary calls for of F1, it at present appears implausible to see Imola return as a everlasting fixture, with it thought extra prone to be saved on standby as a reserve venue or enter a European rotation with different races, with the Belgian Grand Prix the primary to have concluded such a deal.
A serious restyling of the paddock
However that is not stopping organisers from commissioning a giant, and lengthy overdue, revamp, beginning with a serious restyling of the paddock following requests from rivals.
Firstly, the waterproof space might be enlarged to offer more room for the groups and streamline logistics. Secondly, the sq. close to the medical centre might be repaved to satisfy the necessities of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Which means that the areas at present coated with grime (1,490m2) and interlocking concrete blocks (5,340m2) might be changed with eco-friendly asphalt, whereas additional modifications will guarantee greater requirements of security and performance.
As well as, work has begun on masking the pit terrace, which might be accomplished in three phases. The wall separating the paddock from the river might be strengthened to guard towards flooding, and the noise barrier isolating the homes contained in the racetrack might be prolonged.
La Casa degli Eventi
The outdated home contained in the Tosa hairpin has been demolished to make method for a brand new hospitality facility, the so-called “Casa degli Eventi”. This might be a multi-purpose construction that provides wonderful views of the nook by a big semi-circular glass window.
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
Additionally close to Tosa, the street community might be modified, each to enhance entry to the stands and to make sure higher security for daily customers. The bridge might be widened from one to 2 lanes (with a cycle path), whereas two strategic roundabouts will join By way of Tiro a Segno to By way of Kennedy on one aspect and By way of Quarantini on the opposite extra effectively.
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
A diverse calendar for year-round actions
Regardless of F1’s absence Imola nonetheless boasts a formidable worldwide motorsport calendar, headlined by the WEC’s season opener in April, the 6 Hours of Imola. Different notable occasions embody the ACI Racing Weekend, Lamborghini Area, CIV Moto, the historic Minardi Day, and the European Le Mans Sequence, with October’s Imola Basic the final main racing occasion on this yr’s calendar.
However so as to construct its year-round calendar, Imola can be looking for to diversify its choices with non-racing occasions. Along with the Imola Duathlon in 5 and 6 April, Enzo e Dino Ferrari may also host music concert events in a brand new space dubbed the known as Music Park Area, which might double up as a fan zone for motor racing occasions.
The tip purpose in all of that is for Imola to repeat its 2025 attendance determine of practically a million followers, even with out the 212,000 followers flocking to the circuit for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
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