The “Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari” is one if Italy’s iconic racetracks. The circuit is located right on the outskirts of Imola, about 40 kilometres south-east of Bologna. The first races in and around Imola were held back in the 1940s on public roads. Work started on the racetrack in 1950, and it was opened two years later. Since then, the circuit and the pit buildings have been the subject of numerous modifications. The latest extensive renovation took place in 2006, since when some sections of the track have been resurfaced. For decades Formula One was a regular guest in Imola, and the circuit was the scene of one of the championship’s most tragic weekends when Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna were both involved in fatal crashes. The first motorcycle grand prix in Imola was held in 1967. The Superbike World Championship first lined up at the track in northern Italy in 2001 and will make its tenth appearance in Imola in 2012.
Parts of the circuit are very bumpy, and there are now four different surfaces since parts of the track were resurfaced in 2011. Generally speaking, the bike must react excellently to steering input, braking and accelerating, as several chicanes make it hard to find a rhythm. Good steering is also important on the crests in the fast and flowing section containing the two “Acque Minerali” turns. The kerbs in the chicanes also present a challenge. They cause the bikes to twitch as they cross them. The track is very narrow in parts, making overtaking difficult in Imola.
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
Via Fratelli Rosselli, 2
I-40026 Imola
Tel: + 39 0542 65511
Fax: + 39 0542 30420
info@autodromoimola.com