HISTORY OF THE CIRCUIT IN IMOLA

The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, commonly referred to as Imola, is one of Formula 1's most iconic and historic circuits. Nestled in the town of Imola in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, the track is named after Enzo Ferrari, founder of Scuderia Ferrari, and his son Dino. Unlike many F1 circuits, Imola runs counter-clockwise, adding a unique challenge with its layout of high-speed corners, blind apexes, and unforgiving run-off areas.

The track was inaugurated in 1953, but it wasn't until 1979 that it hosted a non-championship Formula 1 race. Just one year later, in 1980, Imola made its championship debut as the venue for the Italian Grand Prix, replacing Monza for that year only. From 1981 to 2006, Imola proudly hosted the San Marino Grand Prix, named after the nearby Republic of San Marino to distinguish it from the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Imola has been the scene of some of Formula 1’s most dramatic and emotional moments, particularly during the tragic weekend of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, which saw the deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, and marked a dark turning point in motorsport history. In response, the circuit underwent significant modifications to improve safety, replacing fast corners such as Tamburello and Villeneuve with chicanes.

After a 14-year absence, Imola made a celebrated return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, under the name of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Its challenging layout, rich history, and passionate Italian fanbase have since cemented its place once again as a fan-favorite venue.

History of the San Marino / Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

San Marino Grand Prix (1981–2006)

First held in 1981, the San Marino Grand Prix became a fixture of the Formula 1 calendar for over two decades. Despite its name, the race was always hosted in Imola, Italy, as a way to allow a second Grand Prix in the country alongside Monza.

The event quickly grew in prestige, often acting as Ferrari’s de facto home race, just 80 km from the team’s base in Maranello. This led to memorable scenes of Tifosi lining the hills of Imola in red, celebrating emotional victories for drivers like Michael Schumacher.

The San Marino GP played a critical role in shaping the sport’s narrative throughout the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, but following declining safety standards and a waning presence on the global stage, it was dropped after the 2006 season.

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (2020–Present)

In 2020, the global pandemic reshuffled the F1 calendar, and Imola returned under a new title — the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, named after the surrounding region. The race featured a two-day format and was an immediate success, reminding fans of the circuit’s challenging nature and old-school spirit.

Its popularity ensured its place on the calendar, and since then, Imola has remained a part of the championship, consistently delivering strategic races, weather drama, and strong local support. In contrast to the ultra-modern circuits, Imola stands out as a purist’s track — demanding, raw, and steeped in emotion.

List of Formula 1 winners at Imola