Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari (Imola)
Imola, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
First GP: 1980 · 28 Grands Prix
Circuit Overview
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari at Imola is one of the most historically significant circuits in Formula 1. The circuit, named after Enzo Ferrari and his son Dino, is located in the Santerno river valley near the town of Imola in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Imola is forever associated with the darkest weekend in Formula 1 history — the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, when Roland Ratzenberger died in qualifying and Ayrton Senna died in the race. The tragedy at Imola led to fundamental changes in F1 safety that have saved countless lives since. The circuit returned to the F1 calendar in 2020 as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, following a 14-year absence. The circuit features the famous Tamburello corner — now a chicane following Senna's fatal accident — and the Variante Alta chicane. The circuit is challenging and technical, with limited overtaking opportunities but a strong atmosphere from the passionate Italian fans.
Circuit History
Imola hosted its first Formula 1 race in 1980, as a non-championship event. It joined the calendar as the San Marino Grand Prix in 1981. The circuit was the scene of numerous dramatic moments — Gilles Villeneuve's death in qualifying at Zolder in 1982 cast a shadow over the sport, and the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix was the darkest weekend in F1 history. Following Senna's death, the circuit underwent significant safety modifications — Tamburello was converted from a flat-out corner to a chicane, and Villeneuve corner was also modified. The circuit left the F1 calendar after 2006 but returned in 2020 as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Technical Challenges
- Tamburello chicane — site of Senna's fatal accident, now a chicane
- Acque Minerali — technical section, requires precise car placement
- Variante Alta — tight chicane, heavy braking, overtaking opportunity
- Rivazza — double-apex corner, exit speed critical for main straight
- Limited overtaking — circuit rewards qualifying position
Famous Races
Darkest weekend in F1 — Ratzenberger and Senna killed.
Alonso wins in dominant display.
Circuit returns to F1 calendar as Emilia Romagna GP.
Verstappen wins sprint race and main race.
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari (Imola) — Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Ayrton Senna at Imola in 1994?
Ayrton Senna died at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola on 1 May 1994. His Williams FW16 left the track at the Tamburello corner on lap 7 and struck the concrete barrier. Senna suffered fatal head injuries from a suspension component that penetrated his helmet. He was 34 years old. The accident, combined with Roland Ratzenberger's death in qualifying, led to fundamental changes in F1 safety.
What is the Tamburello corner at Imola?
Tamburello was originally a flat-out left-hander at Imola, taken at around 300 km/h. It was the site of Ayrton Senna's fatal accident in 1994. Following the accident, the corner was converted into a chicane to reduce speeds. The chicane is now known as the Tamburello chicane and is a memorial to Senna.
How long is the Imola circuit?
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari is 4.909 km (3.050 miles) long. The circuit has 19 corners and 1 DRS zone. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix covers 63 laps, a total distance of 309.049 km.
When did Imola return to the F1 calendar?
Imola returned to the F1 calendar in 2020 as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, after a 14-year absence. The circuit last hosted the San Marino Grand Prix in 2006. The return was initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the 2020 calendar, but the race has remained on the calendar since.
Why is the circuit at Imola named after Enzo Ferrari?
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari is named after Enzo Ferrari, the founder of Ferrari, and his son Dino Ferrari, who died of muscular dystrophy in 1956. The circuit is located in Emilia-Romagna, the same region as Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello, making it a natural home for the Ferrari name.
What is the lap record at Imola?
The Imola lap record is 1:15.484, set by Rubens Barrichello in a Ferrari F2004 during the 2004 San Marino Grand Prix. The record reflects the extraordinary performance of the 2004 Ferrari, which dominated that season.
Who won the first San Marino Grand Prix at Imola?
The first San Marino Grand Prix at Imola was held in 1981 and won by Nelson Piquet in a Brabham. The race was called the San Marino Grand Prix because Italy already had a Grand Prix at Monza, and the FIA rules prevented two races in the same country under the same name.
What safety changes were made at Imola after 1994?
Following the deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, Imola underwent significant safety modifications. Tamburello was converted from a flat-out corner to a chicane, Villeneuve corner was also modified, and the barriers throughout the circuit were improved. The changes were part of a wider F1 safety revolution that followed the 1994 tragedies.
Has the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix been held every year since 2020?
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been held at Imola in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The 2023 race was cancelled due to severe flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region, which caused widespread damage and made it impossible to hold the event safely.
What is the atmosphere like at the Imola Grand Prix?
The Imola Grand Prix has a unique atmosphere — the circuit is surrounded by trees and hills, creating an intimate setting very different from modern purpose-built circuits. The Italian fans, particularly Ferrari supporters, create a passionate atmosphere. The circuit's historical significance, particularly in relation to Ayrton Senna, gives it a special emotional resonance.
Circuit Facts
- Country
- Italy
- Circuit Type
- Permanent
- Length
- 4.909 km
- First GP
- 1980
- Total GPs
- 28