Imola has made a bold bid to fill the gap left by the Chinese Grand Prix in the 2020 calendar.
The San Marino GP venue hasn’t welcomed Formula 1 since 2006 but has been interested in returning for some time, with speculation it is hoping to replace Monza when their current Italian GP contract ends.
Currently, the race in Shanghai is classed as postponed due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak, but if a later date can’t be found, Imola is keen to capitalise and take the April 19 date.
“We have indeed submitted an application to the FIA and the F1 organisation to replace the Chinese GP,” circuit director Roberto Marazzi told RacingNews365.
“We have not yet received a response. I expect it is difficult to get everything arranged.”
Imola has the facilities to host F1 again after undergoing an upgrade and the circuit is back at Grade 1 FIA standard, the necessary level to hold a race.
But for that to happen, there would need to be a lot agreed and organised in a very short period of time, whether it be a race fee with Liberty Media, ticketing for fans and logistics for teams.
But a return to the historic Autodromo Enzo e Dini Ferrari would certainly prove popular with fans.