{"id":33720,"date":"2025-05-13T06:00:19","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T10:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=33720"},"modified":"2025-05-13T04:11:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T08:11:11","slug":"f1-history-of-the-emilia-romagna-grand-prix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/05\/13\/f1-history-of-the-emilia-romagna-grand-prix\/","title":{"rendered":"F1: History of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Round 7 of the 2025 F1 season takes us to the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<h2>Everything You Need to Know About the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix<\/h2>\n<p>Each year, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.formula1.com\/en\/latest\/article\/its-race-week-5-storylines-were-excited-about-ahead-of-the-2025-emilia.4GF4njJsmwvrEs1egRCnbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">anticipated event<\/a> on the F1 calendar. Held at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, more commonly known as Imola, the race draws its name from the surrounding region of Emilia-Romagna.<\/p>\n<p>Though it only returned to the F1 calendar in 2020, the circuit boasts a rich heritage, making it one of the sport\u2019s most sought-after venues.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">IT&#8217;S RACE WEEK IN IMOLA \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9\ud83d\udcaa<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#F1<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ImolaGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#ImolaGP<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/CYYbkxXkmS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/CYYbkxXkmS<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/F1\/status\/1921849829782638968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 12, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>The Schedule<\/h3>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Date<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Session<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Time*<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>16 May<\/td>\n<td>Practice 1<\/td>\n<td>13:30 \u2013 14:30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>16 May<\/td>\n<td>Practice 2<\/td>\n<td>17:00 \u2013 18:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>17 May<\/td>\n<td>Practice 3<\/td>\n<td>12:30 \u2013 13:30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>17 May<\/td>\n<td>Qualifying<\/td>\n<td>16:00 \u2013 17:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>18 May<\/td>\n<td>Race<\/td>\n<td>15:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>*Track Time<\/p>\n<h3>A Multifaceted Legacy<\/h3>\n<p>Located just 40 kilometres east of Bologna, Imola is one of the few circuits that run anti-clockwise. It first opened in 1953 and was originally named Autodromo di Imola. In 1988, the track was renamed to honour Enzo Ferrari and his son Dino, underlining its close ties to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/05\/08\/ferrari-unlikely-to-bring-major-updates-until-spanish-gp\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Scuderia Ferrari<\/a> team, based nearby in Maranello.<\/p>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{}\">Imola has long been a staple of motorsport. After hosting non-championship F1 events in the 1960s and 1970s, it debuted on the official calendar in 1980, temporarily replacing Monza as the host of the Italian Grand Prix. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{}\">From 1981 to 2006, it served as the venue for the San Marino Grand Prix. <\/span><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4,&quot;writingDirection&quot;:1}}\">However, the circuit\u2019s legacy is also marked by tragedy. The 1994 San Marino Grand Prix claimed the lives of Roland Ratzenberger and three-time world champion Ayrton Senna. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4,&quot;writingDirection&quot;:1}}\">In the wake of these tragedies, the layout was heavily modified to improve safety, particularly the Tamburello corner. <\/span><span data-tt=\"{}\">Despite these changes, F1 ceased visiting Imola after 2006. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{}\">The circuit underwent extensive renovations, including a revamped pit lane and reprofiled corners, but F1 did not return until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the 2020 season<\/span><span data-tt=\"{}\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>READ MORE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/05\/12\/sebastian-vettel-hopeful-that-cadillac-will-sign-mick-schumacher\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Sebastian Vettel Hopeful That Cadillac Will Sign Mick Schumacher<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>A Dramatic Return<\/h3>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\">With the pandemic affecting the original calendar, Imola was added as a late addition. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\">Branded the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the 2020 race weekend became a two-day format, with just one practice session on Saturday. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/04\/09\/how-valtteri-bottas-is-fast-tracking-antonellis-f1-progress\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Valtteri Bottas<\/a> took pole, but <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/05\/12\/toto-wolff-confident-hamilton-can-rediscover-best-form\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Lewis Hamilton<\/a> emerged victorious, highlighting <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/05\/06\/mercedes-working-hard-to-bring-updates-to-catch-mclaren\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Mercedes<\/a>\u2019 dominance with the W11.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\">While this was initially billed as a one-off, the race returned in 2021 due to continued disruptions. Imola replaced the postponed Chinese Grand Prix and delivered a rain-soaked contest. Hamilton started from pole, but Max Verstappen claimed the win, signalling the start of their season-long rivalry.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Establishing Itself<\/h3>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\">Imola retained its spot on the calendar for 2022, and the race weekend included a Sprint format for the first time at this venue. <\/span><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/05\/08\/tsunoda-much-closer-to-verstappen-than-lawson-marko\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Verstappen<\/a> dominated the event, achieving a grand chelem, establishing his dominance with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/05\/08\/red-bull-and-vcarb-pace-gap-isnt-that-great-says-marko\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Red Bull<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Starting the week with some Imola snaps \ud83d\udcf8\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#F1<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ImolaGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#ImolaGP<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/OsFUMu2zDv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/OsFUMu2zDv<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/F1\/status\/1921868452916285739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 12, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Verstappen&#8217;s dominance was expected again in 2023, but that year the <span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\">Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix never took place. When torrential rain and severe flooding caused by Storm Minerva devastated the region, the event was cancelled out of respect and safety. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\">Despite this setback, F1 returned in 2024, with Verstappen once again on top. McLaren\u2019s Lando Norris and Ferrari\u2019s Charles Leclerc completed the podium, a proud moment for the Scuderia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/05\/12\/kyle-larson-once-again-showcases-his-dominance-at-kansas\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Kyle Larson Once Again Showcases His Dominance at Kansas<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Beyond F1<\/h3>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\">Though F1 garners global attention, Imola is far more than just an F1 circuit. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\">Over the years, it has hosted a wide range of motorsport series, including the Superbike World Championship, World Touring Car Championship, and the European Le Mans Series. Motorsport is not all that uses the venue either. <\/span><span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\">World-class cycling events, such as the Giro d\u2019Italia and the UCI Road World Championships, have also used the circuit\u2019s challenging terrain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Key Data<\/h3>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Detail<\/strong><\/th>\n<th>Value<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>First Grand Prix<\/td>\n<td>1980<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Number of Laps<\/td>\n<td>63<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Circuit Length<\/td>\n<td>4.909 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Race Distance<\/td>\n<td>309.049 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lap Record<\/td>\n<td>1:15.484 \u2013 Lewis Hamilton (2020)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is contracted until<span data-tt=\"{&quot;paragraphStyle&quot;:{&quot;alignment&quot;:4}}\">\u00a0at least 2025. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>READ NEXT:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/05\/12\/pierre-gasly-wants-alpine-to-focus-on-2026-development\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Pierre Gasly Wants Alpine to Focus On 2026 Development<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Main Photo<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Credit: <strong>IMAGO \/\u00a0NurPhoto<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Recording Date: 19.05.2024<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Round 7 of the 2025 F1 season takes us to the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Everything You Need to Know About the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix Each year, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is an anticipated event on the F1 calendar. Held at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, more commonly known as Imola, the race draws [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5233,"featured_media":33726,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4],"tags":[1823,736,2452,84,1621],"class_list":["post-33720","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-formula-1","tag-emilia-romagna-grand-prix","tag-enzo-ferrari","tag-f1-2025-season","tag-ferrari","tag-imola"],"modified_by":"Emma Fisher","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33720","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5233"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33720"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33720\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33728,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33720\/revisions\/33728"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33720"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33720"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33720"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}