San Marino Formula One Grand Prix
The Imola circuit, in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, was opened in 1952, although the nearby parkland had been used for motor cross races for some years before. But it would not be until 1963 that the first Grand Prix was held at the circuit, a non-Championship event that was won by Scots driver Jim Clark in a Lotus-Climax.
The track was at first named for the Santerno River which runs alongside it, but Imola was officially renamed the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari after the death of Enzo Ferrari and his son Dino. The circuit has been changed many times over the years, most notably by the addition of three chicanes; the Variante Bassa in 1973, the Variante Alta in 1974, and the Acque Minerale in 1981, to slow the cars down somewhat. There have also been alterations to the very fast Tamburello corner, the scene of many terrifying accidents over the years, not least the one in 1994 that killed the late great Ayrton Senna. Villeneuve Corner, where Roland Ratzenburger was killed, was also modified after that years tragic events. The last Formula One Grand Prix to be held at Imola was in 2006, and while motor racing continues at the venue, it remains to be seen if Formula One will ever return to this iconic, yet tragic race track. |
AUTODROMO ENZO E DINO FERRARI
LOCATION: Imola, Italy
CIRCUIT TYPE: Permanent Circuit
CIRCUIT LENGTH: 3.06 Miles
LAP RECORD: 1:20.411 - M.Schumacher 2004
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