Imola, long-time venue of the San Marino Grand Prix, has been upgraded to a Grade 1 circuit for the first time since last hosting Formula 1 in 2006 following an inspection by FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting.
Before the signing of a new three-year deal to keep the Italian Grand Prix at Monza last year, an agreement was reached between then-CEO Bernie Ecclestone and circuit bosses at Imola for the race to move from this year.
Though that will now no longer happen, the track, located in Bologna, has pushed ahead with developments both in facilities and safety which now meet the necessary requirements to achieve the Grade 1 certificate required before hosting an F1 race.
Monza too, is undergoing its own renovation with this year’s race in September set to take place on an altered version of the famous ‘Temple of Speed’ with the main straight lengthened and a new first chicane installed on the inside of the Curva Grande.
Though that means a first hosting of the Italian race at Imola since 1980, the only year it has ever moved away from Monza will have to wait, Formula Imola chief Uberto Selvatico Estense is still hopeful of a future return to the F1 calendar.
“I hope that soon there is the confirmation by national authorities so that we can implement at Imola the promises made by the president of the ACI (Automobile Club d’Italia),” he told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.
