F1 2024: Italian GP – Imola (May 19)

Imola – or the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari because it’s been recognized since 1988 – had its basis stone laid in March 1950. It was prepared for testing by October 1952, whereas racing started on the circuit in 1953.

When was its first Grand Prix?

Imola first hosted a non-championship F1 race in 1963, however it could take some politicking with Monza in 1980 earlier than the observe was awarded the honour of internet hosting the Italian Grand Prix for the primary time that 12 months. From 1981, the 2 tracks labored collectively in excellent concord, with Imola taking up its well-known ‘San Marino’ title, and occurring to host a complete of 27 Grands Prix up till 2006. It returned as venue for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in 2020.

What’s the circuit like?

A thrill journey. After testing his AlphaTauri AT01 on the observe within the build-up to the 2020 season, Pierre Gasly referred to as the expertise the most effective he’d ever had in a Components 1 automotive, whereas his then-team mate Daniil Kvyat remarked that “an F1 automotive by corners like Acque Minerali – the doorway is so quick, it’s so cool. It actually provides you a whole lot of adrenaline.” The anti-clockwise circuit is actually quick, with an old-school really feel because the drivers put it on the road in iconic corners just like the aforementioned Acque Minerali and Piratella.

Why go?

Like neighbouring Mugello, Imola is nestled in a improbable a part of the world, with the Tuscan hills to the south, the Adriatic seashores to the east and the gastronomic delights of cities like Bologna, Parma and Modena to the west – in addition to the F1 mecca that’s Ferrari’s HQ in close by Maranello. There’s additionally no getting round the truth that a go to to Imola is a chance for F1 followers to pay their respects to Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, who misplaced their lives on the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

The place is the perfect place to look at?

The stand on the skin of Acque Minerali is a good spot to see an F1 machine being pushed to its absolute limits, because the drivers wrestle to get the automobiles down to hurry for the tight right-hander earlier than blasting again up the hill to the Variante Alta chicane.