The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, commonly referred to as just Imola, opened as a semi-permanent venue in 1953. The circuit is named after the found of Ferrari, Enzo and his son Dino.
The circuit hosted its first Formula One race in 1963, a non-championship event won by Jim Clark of Lotus and again in 1979 – won by Niki Lauda for Bernie Ecclestone’s Brabham. It hosted its first official race in 1980, as the Italian Grand Prix was moved from Monza as it underwent refurbishment. Between 1981 and 2006 it hosted the popular San Marino Grand Prix, named after the nearby microstate as Monza continued to host the Italian Grand Prix.
The circuit is widely known for the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, during which Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger and three-time world champion Ayrton Senna were killed in separate incidents. Major renovations were carried out after 1994 to make the circuit safer, however it was dropped from the Formula One calendar in 2006. F1 did however return in 2020 as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, named after the local region, took place due to calendar changes owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Imola has hosted a number of other racing series including MotoGP’s Italian motorcycle Grand Prix several times in the 1970s and the City of Imola motorcycle Grand Prix between 1996 and 1999. Other events include the World Superbike Championship, World Touring Car Championship, FIA GT World Championship and 6 Hours of Imola.
Location & Travel to Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is located approximately 3 kilometres to the south of the town of Imola in the north of Italy.
Air: The nearest international airport is in Bologna, approximately 42 kilometres away which is a major hub for Ryanair and has flights to a number of cities across Europe. Alternatively the smaller Forlì Airport is about 35 kilometres away or Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini is 90 kilometres away.
Thinking of going to Imola? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.
Bus: From central Imola, bus line 1 or 2 stops just a short walk away from the circuit.
Driving: The circuit is located 5 kilometres off the E45 motorway which connects Bologna and Rimini.
Train: Imola Stazione is the most railway station for the town, with regular trains to Bologna taking around 20 minutes. There are also services to Florence (90 minutes) and Milan (2.5 hours). The station is located in central Imola and will take about 30 minutes to walk or you can catch the bus as above.
Thinking of catching a train to Imola? Search and book your journey through the Trainline here.
Tickets at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari
The latest ticket information for events at Imola is available on the website here.
Where to Stay in Imola
Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in Imola by clicking here.
Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari Guided Tours & Track Days
The circuit offers 75 minute shuttle bus tours that stop at landmarks such as the Ayrton Senna memorial, the paddock, pitlane and the Race Track Tower. The tour costs €30 for Adults, €20 for Children under 16 and free for children aged 0 to 6. Further information and booking is available on the circuit’s website here.
The circuit also offers track days open to the public throughout the year and various driving experiences. More information is available on the circuit’s website here.
Further Information & Events
Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari Official Website
F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Official Website
Last Updated on December 3, 2021 by Sports Tourist