Imola is urging Formula 1 to create what it calls a “legendary national triple” by joining Monza and Mugello on the 2020 calendar.
It now appears almost certain that Italy will host at least two races this year, with a September 13 Grand Prix at Mugello expected to be announced next week according to reports.
However, the former San Marino GP venue has been just as desperate to return to F1 for the first time since 2006, and circuit boss Uberto Selvatico Estense made his case after AlphaTauri completed a filming day there on Wednesday.
“Imola has F1 in its DNA and on this track the history of F1 has taken place, it must not be forgotten and we must be rightly proud of it,” he said.
“Looking ahead, and with an eye to the local economy in this serious moment of crisis, our goal is to bring back the top series to Imola’s circuit from this year.
“The most logical and most suitable solution for F1 fans from all over the world would be to use circuits with great media impact, as Imola certainly is. Perhaps together with Monza and Mugello, for a legendary national triple.
“We started since April of this year working with great dedication and passion on this hypothesis, together with the local and regional institutions and the FOWC, and we hope that the national sports authority will also support our candidature for this season.”
Recently, Imola once again obtained the necessary Grade 1 status from the FIA needed to host an F1 race, and commenting after his outing in the AlphaTauri, Daniil Kvyat suggested the track has lost none of its challenge.
“Imola is a special track and I am very happy to get back in a F1 car, after this long pause, on this circuit,” the Russian said.
“I’ve known it for some time because I did one of my first tests here with a single-seater in 2010.
“The track is really fantastic to drive, with some nice fast corners. I am of the opinion that it should absolutely be on the F1 calendar.”
The issue with Selvatico Estense’s vision, however, is holding three consecutive races in Italy would actually mean creating a quadruple-header, as the Belgian GP is scheduled for August 30.
Other speculation also claims that the extended F1 calendar will see either the first Portuguese GP since 1996 or the Russian GP at Sochi take place on September 27, while the Canadian GP is being tipped for a new date on October 11.
So while of course, having Imola back would be simply marvellous, it seems increasingly unlikely there will be a space for it to fill.
