Emilia Romagna president says he is “immediately” working on ensuring Imola remains on the Formula 1 calendar in 2021.
The legendary Italian circuit held its first Grand Prix since 2006 earlier this month after being one of five new venues included in the heavily revised schedule for this season.
Then, on Tuesday, F1 revealed a provisional 2021 calendar which now includes an empty slot next April after the Vietnam GP was dropped due to political reasons in the country.
But even before that potential date became available, and after a positive reaction to Imola’s return, president Stefano Bonaccini made it clear he doesn’t want this year’s race to be a one-off.
“The experts and the drivers were all enthusiastic about the beauty of the place and, above all, of the track,” he is quoted by MotorsportWeek.
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“We strongly wanted the return of Formula 1 to Imola after 14 years, together with the Municipality, local institutions and the management of Formula Imola.
“It is with the same team that we will work immediately for the confirmation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola next year and its stable inclusion in the calendar.
“It is a difficult period but in Emilia Romagna, we have shown once again that we do not stop and that we know how to look ahead.”
Imola boss Uberto Selvatico Estense is also keen to see F1 once again become a regular feature at the circuit, and hopes the impression left on the sport’s bosses will work in their favour.
“Formula 1 expressed congratulations for the organisation carried out, among other things, in record time,” he said.
“[There is] the hope that the next Formula 1 race in Imola will be run with the presence of the public.
“I especially thank [CEO] Chase Carey and [Global Director of Race Promotion] Chloe Targett-Adams for the realisation of this dream who believed in us and who are helping us to hope for the future.”