F1 Circuits: Imola

Image: F1 Media

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is a relatively new addition to the Formula One calendar, having made its debut in 2020. It is held at the Imola circuit, located in the town of Imola in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. The circuit has a rich history, having hosted its first Formula One race back in 1980 and serving as the venue for the San Marino Grand Prix until 2006. 

The Imola circuit was built in 1950 and it originally served as a test track for Enzo Ferrari's Scuderia Ferrari team. In 1963, the circuit hosted its first major international event, the Italian Grand Prix for sports cars. The track became a regular venue for the Italian round of the Formula One World Championship in 1980, and it quickly gained a reputation as one of the most challenging and exciting circuits on the calendar. 

The first race of the Formula One World Championship to be held at Imola was won by the Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet, driving for the Brabham team. The race was marked by a fierce battle between Piquet and the French driver René Arnoux, driving for the Renault team. Piquet ultimately emerged victorious, crossing the line just 1.08 seconds ahead of Arnoux to take his first win of the season. 

The following year, Imola hosted its second Formula One race, and it was another thriller. The race was won by the French driver Alain Prost, driving for the Renault team. Prost was challenged throughout the race by the Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna, driving for the Toleman team. Senna had qualified an impressive 13th on the grid, but he fought his way through the field to challenge Prost for the win. In the end, Prost held on to take the victory by just 5.84 seconds. 

Image: Getty Images

The Imola circuit continued to host the San Marino Grand Prix throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and it became known for its fast, flowing corners and tight chicanes. The circuit was also notorious for its lack of run-off areas, which meant that mistakes could be punished heavily. One of the most infamous incidents in the history of the circuit came in 1994, when the Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna was killed in a crash during the San Marino Grand Prix. Senna's death led to a major overhaul of safety standards in Formula One, and the Imola circuit was extensively modified in the years that followed. 

In 2006, the San Marino Grand Prix was dropped from the Formula One calendar, and the Imola circuit fell into disuse. However, in 2020, the circuit was brought back into the spotlight when it was announced that it would host a race in the revised Formula One calendar. The race was held in October 2020, and it was won by the Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. 

Image: Motorsport Images

The 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was also held at the Imola circuit, and it was won by the Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. Verstappen dominated the race from start to finish, leading every lap and taking a comfortable victory ahead of the Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. The race was also notable for a collision between Hamilton and Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez, which saw Hamilton lose time and drop down the field. 

 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was the first race of last year's season to feature a sprint race, which Max Verstappen won in front of Sergio Perez and Mclaren’s Lando Norris. This was the first 1-2 finish from Red Bull since the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix and was one of many dominant races from the 2022 Constructors Championship winners. 

Watch the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix for the 2023 season at Viaplay.