Circuit Information
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, also known as the Imola Grand Prix, is the first of two grands prix to be held in Italy. It it held at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari track. This year marks the return of Imola, as last year the race was cancelled due to flooding. The track is made up of 19 corners and one DRS zone, with a track length of 4.909km. Drivers have to tackle a combination of sharp corners and braking zones within the 63 lap race,, making Imola one of the most technical races of the season.
Weekend Schedule
After two weekends of sprints, we return to a normal race weekend format.
Friday:
- Free Practice One – 13:30 – 14:30
- Free Practice Two – 17:00 – 18:00
Saturday:
- Free Practice Three – 12:30 – 13:30
- Qualifying – 16:00 – 17:00
Sunday:
- Race – 15:00
(All times displayed are the local track times, UK time is an hour behind.)
Fun Facts about Imola
- On the return of the circuit back in the F1 calendar in 2020, Lewis Hamilton was victorious. He also set a lap record of 1:15.484.
- Ayrton Senna holds the record for most pole positions at Imola with eight. His record is tied with Michael Schumacher who had eight poles at Suzuka, Japan and Hamilton with eight at Albert Park, Australia.
- Imola hosts the first European race of the 2024 season, just as it did when it was known as the San Marino Grand Prix between 1981 and 2006.
- Despite having been called the San Marino Grand Prix, the circuit is over 100km away from the city and not within San Marino’s own territory. It was named after San Marino nearby due to there already being an Italian Grand Prix held in Monza.
History of Imola
At the wish of Enzo Ferrari, track construction began back in March 1950. Testing was held two years later in October 1952. The Autodromo di Imola held its first racing event a year later in 1953. Following the death of Enzo’s first son, Dino, the track was renamed Autodromo Dino Ferrari in his memory in 1956.
1980 marked the first grand prix held at Imola, taking the place of Monza that year. Nelson Piquet took the first ever win with Brabham. With the return of Monza the following year and the love for the Imola circuit, the 1981 season saw the first San Marino Grand Prix. Following the passing Enzo Ferrari in 1988, the track would be renamed for the last time to Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, commemorating Enzo’s legacy.
The San Marino Grand Prix holds memories for many fans. But most notoriously, the 1994 Imola Grand Prix will be remembered as one of the most tragic weekends in the history of Formula One. In practice, Rubens Barrichello suffered a severe concussion after a collision. On the Saturday, Roland Ratzenberger suffered a fatal collision at Villeneuve Corner. And, on the Sunday, racing legend, Ayrton Senna was hit by debris after coming off the track, resulting in his untimely death.
The last ever San Marino Grand Prix was held in 2006, with Michael Schumacher taking the win. However, the track returned to the F1 calendar in 2020 as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton taking the inaugural win.
Senna’s Legacy
May 1st 2024 was 30 years since the death of F1 legend, Ayrton Senna. Teams and drivers took the time to pay their respects and celebrate his legacy.
To pay tribute to Senna, Sebastian Vettel will drive Senna’s McLaren MP4/8 at this weekend’s grand prix. The MP4/8 (the car McLaren competed with in the 1993 season) was the last car Senna drove with the team before his move to Williams for 1994.
Senna’s legacy lives on through the celebrations of his success and the inspiration he left behind for this generation of drivers.
Written by Chloe.
Featured Image Credit: motorsporttickets.com
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