The Imola circuit is endeavor 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 lately 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 stress, and F1 internet hosting two races in Spain in 2026 – in Barcelona and Madrid – the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix needed to make approach for 2026.
As a substitute, Imola has commissioned a long-awaited overhaul, geared 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 presently appears implausible to see Imola return as a everlasting fixture, with it thought extra more likely to be stored 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 will probably be enlarged to supply extra space for the groups and streamline logistics. Secondly, the sq. close to the medical centre will probably be repaved to fulfill the necessities of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Because of this the areas presently coated with dust (1,490m2) and interlocking concrete blocks (5,340m2) will probably be changed with eco-friendly asphalt, whereas additional modifications will guarantee larger requirements of security and performance.
As well as, work has begun on protecting the pit terrace, which will probably be accomplished in three phases. The wall separating the paddock from the river will probably be strengthened to guard towards flooding, and the noise barrier isolating the homes contained in the racetrack will probably be prolonged.
La Casa degli Eventi
The previous home contained in the Tosa hairpin has been demolished to make approach for a brand new hospitality facility, the so-called “Casa degli Eventi”. This will probably be a multi-purpose construction that gives glorious views of the nook by way of a big semi-circular glass window.
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
Additionally close to Tosa, the highway community will probably be modified, each to enhance entry to the stands and to make sure better security for day-after-day customers. The bridge will probably be widened from one to 2 lanes (with a cycle path), whereas two strategic roundabouts will join Through Tiro a Segno to Through Kennedy on one aspect and Through Quarantini on the opposite extra effectively.
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
A assorted calendar for year-round actions
Regardless of F1’s absence Imola nonetheless boasts a powerful 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 Enviornment, CIV Moto, the historic Minardi Day, and the European Le Mans Collection, with October’s Imola Basic the final main racing occasion on this 12 months’s calendar.
However in an effort to construct its year-round calendar, Imola can be searching for to diversify its choices with non-racing occasions. Along with the Imola Duathlon in 5 and 6 April, Enzo e Dino Ferrari will even host music concert events in a brand new space dubbed the referred to as Music Park Enviornment, which might double up as a fan zone for motor racing occasions.
The top purpose in all of that is for Imola to repeat its 2025 attendance determine of almost 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
We wish your opinion!
What would you wish to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Staff
