Where is imola circuit

The configuration was updated to include the Variente Bassa and Variente Alta chicanes in the s. Soon after, and after another non-championship F1 event in , won by Niki Lauda, Imola first hosted a World Championship F1 event for the first time in Monza was undergoing renovations, so Imola took its place as host of the Italian Grand Prix.

The event was a hit, and the circuit remained on the calendar as the San Marino Grand Prix until The anti-clockwise circuit has undergone relatively little change since opening in the s.

Both series departed the track for , as the circuit underwent major renovations. In addition to changes to the track layout, the garages and paddock area were rebuilt in a project overseen by Hermann Tilke. Formula 1 is yet to return to Imola, but the fact that the track holds FIA Grade 1 status means that the circuit could theoretically host the premier motor racing class once again.

A good network of local motorways and roads make Imola easy to reach — the circuit is 5km from the E45 motorway, which connects Bologna to Rimini on the coast. The city of Modena and the home of Ferrari at Maranello are also on the E Estimated driving times to Imola from major regional cities:. While that race reverted to its regular venue the following year, Imola also kept its place on the schedule, albeit now as the home of the San Marino Grand Prix.

The popularity of Ferrari ensured more than sufficient interest to sustain two races in Italy. Both the Tamburello and Villeneuve corners where Senna and Ratzenberger were killed were replaced by chicanes. The events in Imola rocked the motor racing world and forced immediate changes in car and circuit design. Imola itself underwent a total reconstruction in the winter of , emerging in much-modified form.

Tamburello was no more, replaced by a chicane, as was the case at Villeneuve. Run off was much improved around the circuit, including at Rivazza, which had been repositioned and the corners made tighter. Acque Minerali wa restored as proper corner, however, albeit with greatly increased run-off. Formula One events would continue successfully for another decade and, between and , the MotoGP also returned, meaning that for a brief period Imola was one more home to the top classes in two and four wheels.

Storm clouds were gathering by this time, with discontent in the Formula One about the state of the pit and paddock facilities — which were essentially unchanged from the rebuild — and a general impetus for new races in the Far East. Against this background, track operator SAGIS ploughed ahead with plans to modernise, employing Herman Tilke to design new pit and paddock facilities. These called for a lengthened pit lane, which would result in the removal of the Variante Bassa chicane altogether.

In November , the existing pit buildings save for the iconic Marlboro Tower were demolished, in preparation for revisions. It was to prove the last act of SAGIS, which filed for bankruptcy in early , bringing work on site to an abrupt halt.

The Municipality of Imola launched a tender for the thirty-year management of the circuit, awarding it in February to a new company, 'Formula Imola', which is a joint venture between the city and the Norman property group. Work resumed on the reconfiguration but the delays mean that no racing could be held during The revised circuit was inaugurated in May , hosting a round of the World Touring Car Championship for the first time in August.

At the end of the year, the Norman property group bowed out of ownership and the majority stake in Formula Imola was bought by the Motorsport Eventi company.

This is only utilised by the motorcycle racers. The debts accrued by the circuit modernisation sent Formula Imola into administration again in February , though the circuit continued to operate on a provisional basis while new ownership was sought.

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