Imola has expressed an interest in once again hosting Formula 1 in the wake of Monza’s new five-year deal for the Italian Grand Prix.
Following months of talks, the contract was finally signed last week confirming the continuation of a race that has appeared on every calendar since 1950.
While the ‘Temple of Speed’ has only given up the Italian GP once during that, to Imola in 1980, the Autodromo Enzo e Dini Ferrari carved its own F1 legacy hosting the San Marino GP.
Financial problems led to its demise after 2006, however, a massive renovation of the facilities has already taken place, giving Imola it’s ‘Grade 1’ status back, and further improvements are planned.
“The great work done by ACI president Angelo Sticchi Damiani in maintaining Formula 1 in Italy could reopen the possibility, even at our historic racetrack, to see the red cars [Ferrari] and the whole circus return,” circuit president Uberto Selvatico Estense said.
“To achieve such a result it is essential to have the full support of regional and metropolitan institutions, as is happening for Monza and Mugello.”
The mention of Mugello is significant as the MotoGP host venue has been seen as the alternative for F1 if neither Monza nor Imola could host the race.
Previously, the circuit has hosted F1 tests but the level of safety on the high-speed layout was questioned by drivers.
Even so, Mugello chief Paolo Poli says a future Grand Prix is a longer-term goal.
“The first objective will be to renew the agreement with the MotoGP, then in five years we will also think about applying to bring Formula 1 to Tuscany,” he told Ansa.
“Partnerships will be necessary at a national level, as Monza did by signing the agreement with F1 for the next few years.
“It should be remembered that unlike other Italian circuits, Mugello is not state-run. From 2006 to 2016 Ferrari has made huge investments to raise the quality of the infrastructure and the professionalism of those who work here, so as to present themselves to customers all over the world with an increasingly higher level.”