Ready for Imola’s old-school thrills?
Loved by drivers for its classic layout and adored by fans for its old-school charm, Imola delivers thrilling racing against a backdrop of authentic Italian passion.
Why the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket listImola is loved by drivers and fans for its classic, old-school charm. The track is narrow and bumpy, with very little run-off space, demanding bravery and precision from every driver. Lance Stroll sums it up well: "Few circuits are more old-school; there’s so little run-off, and you must make set-up trade-offs for a fast, flowing lap. It’s about bravery and finding the limits quickly and consistently."
The track passes through beautiful parkland and even between local houses, giving it a nostalgic feel. Famous corners like Tamburello, Piratella, Acque Minerali, and Rivazza provide an exciting balance of risk and reward. 
The track passes between local houses
Imola is one of only two tracks to have hosted Grands Prix under three different names: Italian, San Marino, and Emilia Romagna. The Nürburgring is the only other track with this rare achievement. It’s also renowned as one of the toughest tracks physically, due to high g-forces experienced on corner exits. The notably long pit lane (around 548–549 meters) adds strategic complexity, as pit stops can take 25–28 seconds. The circuit has hosted some famous racing battles. Fernando Alonso’s thrilling races against Michael Schumacher in 2005 and 2006 are legendary. These duels firmly established Imola’s reputation for close and exciting racing. 
Fernando Alonso leads Michael Schumacher on track at the 2005 San Marino Grand Prix – a classic battle between Renault and Ferrari.
Imola buzzes with local energy, especially for Ferrari fans. The passionate crowd brings something special to race weekend. With its deep racing history and true Italian atmosphere, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola is a must for any Formula 1 fan. 
Passionate Ferrari fans at Imola
Where's the circuit?The Imola circuit, officially named the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, is located in Imola, a town in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Bologna, with rolling hills to the west and the Adriatic coast to the east.
Imola sits at the heart of Italy’s Motor Valley, a region rich in automotive heritage where iconic brands like Ferrari and Dallara are based. Traveling to Imola: What you need to knowBologna, the nearest major city, has a well-connected international airport. From Bologna, regular train services take you directly to Imola station in less than 30 minutes.
Milan can be a good alternative arrival point if you're traveling to Imola, particularly if flights into Bologna are limited or expensive. You can catch a high-speed train from Milan Central Station to Bologna, which takes about one hour. While many race goers can visit Italy without a visa, the exact duration and requirements can vary, so it's advisable to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before planning your trip. How many days should you spend at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix?We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer. Between F1 sessions, you'll also get to enjoy a full schedule of Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Supercup, making it a weekend packed with non-stop action.
Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice sessions, along with practice and qualifying sessions for the support series, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Supercup. Saturday begins with the Formula 3 Sprint Race, followed by the Porsche Supercup qualifying, the third F1 practice session, additional support series races, and culminating in the thrilling Formula 1 qualifying session. Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the Imola Grand Prix. 
Drivers' parade
Best places to stay for the Emilia-Romagna Grand PrixStaying in Bologna during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is a practical and popular choice for many race goers. The city is well-connected to Imola by train, and choosing accommodation close to Bologna Centrale Station will make your daily commute to the circuit more convenient.
You may also want to consider staying in Milan, although the commute is longer. It's certainly worth considering if you're only planning to go to the circuit on race day, as you'll avoid the higher hotel rates in Bologna. Browse accommodation in Bologna here. Best grandstands for key moments at the Imola Grand PrixStart / Partenza
The start-finish straight (Partenza) is the place to soak up the pre-race build-up and the chequered flag. Before the race, you’ll see engineers making final preparations to the cars and the drivers coming and going on the grid. Villeneuve Chicane Immediately after Tamburello, which is the prime overtaking spot on the circuit. Drivers who stay close after the first move often get a second chance at the Villeneuve Chicane. It takes precise car control and strong grip out of Tamburello, but it can lead to some great wheel-to-wheel moments. 
Villeneuve Chicane
Tosa Hairpin A tight, uphill left-hand hairpin. A good place for bold moves under braking, particularly if the car ahead makes even a small mistake through the Villeneuve chicane. 
Tosa Hairpin
Rivazza A challenging double left-hander before the main straight. Occasionally, drivers can attempt late braking moves, especially when tyre wear varies between cars. It's a high-risk spot. Where next?Emilia-Romagna is full of places to explore if you’re staying after the race. In Bologna, you can walk under old porticoes and climb the leaning towers.
Ferrara has quiet streets and the impressive Este Castle. Modena has a Romanesque cathedral and the Torre Ghirlandina—both UNESCO sites. 
Bologna
You can also visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, the Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese, or the Ducati Museum in Bologna. 
Museo Ferrari in Maranello
Want to get outside? Go hiking in the Apennines or cycle along the Po River. You can also head to the beaches in Rimini, Riccione, or Cesenatico. For easy day trips, visit San Marino, Florence, Venice, or Verona. All are within reach by train. Contact us and start planning your trip |
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
