The Imola circuit, officially called the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, is marking its return to Formula 1 this Sunday at the 2024 Emilia Romagna GP. It will host its first race since 2022, after calling off last year’s event due to deadly floods.
However, this challenging 19-turn track is returning with major upgrades this season. Before its time for ‘lights out and here we go’, here’s what you need to know about Imola’s new track changes.
Imola circuit features 15 key changes for 2024
In an official press release, F1 race director Niels Wittich announced that this year’s Imola circuit now features 15 new major changes. Its most notable changes are in the various run-off areas around it. The track is more technical this time, with key asphalt run-off points replaced by new gravel traps.
The first revised section starts at Turn 9 around the Piratella corner. This exit now has reduced asphalt flooring on the right-hand side. It means that the F1 racers need to pass this exit more carefully on Sunday, as even a simple mistake could be a ‘race-ending’ move.
Similar to this, Imola has also replaced the asphalt run-offs with dense gravel traps around the Acque Mineralli between Turns 11, 12, and 13. There are also new gravel catches around the Gresini and Variante Alta exits.
Besides the changes to these run-off zones, the track has altered several kerbs as well. New double kerbs have been added to on the left-hand side in Turns 2, 4, 5, 9 and 19, and on the right-hand side in Turns 3, 6, 11, 12 and at the exit of Turn 15. Plus, a French drain has replaced two drain covers between Turn 7 and Turn 8.
All these changes and their impact will be seen at this weekend’s 2024 Emilia Romagna GP at the Imola circuit. As your reminder, the race will officially kick off at 15:00 CEST on Sunday, May 19.
[adrotate banner=”10″]
Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.