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[LewEngBridewell]

After being awarded the FIA's highest homologation rating by the governing body's chief technical delegate Charlie Whiting, former San Marino Grand Prix venue Imola is eyeing a return to the F1 calendar.

Judging by recent comments, it is a development that is likely to be welcomed by drivers – with Imola confirming that 'we are in a position to once again host an F1 grand prix'.

Both Mark Webber and Jenson Button have confessed that should they be able to reinstate any former circuit on the F1 calendar, Imola is the one they would choose – and it appears their wishes could just be granted.

Imola hosted the San Marino Grand Prix every year from 1981 to 2006, before a delay in upgrades to its facilities and an inability to pay Bernie Ecclestone's increased race-hosting fee resulted in the event slipping off the schedule.

Although now sadly best known as the circuit at which F1 legend Ayrton Senna tragically met his end back in 1994, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari remains popular amongst drivers, and a recent Hermann Tilke-led overhaul of its pits, pit-lane and paddock has earned Imola the FIA's highest '1' homologation rating following an inspection by the governing body's race director and chief technical delegate Charlie Whiting – meaning it is fit once more to stage grands prix.

“We are proud of the objective reached,” circuit chief Walter Sciacca is quoted as having said by SPEED.com. “It is a clear sign that we are working in the right direction. With this approval, we are in a position to once again host an F1 grand prix. So we don't limit ourselves, if we experience the right economic conditions, we are ready to face any challenge.”

[andrew]

About time. It is a crime that Imola doesn't have an F1 race.

[LewEngBridewell]

About time. It is a crime that Imola doesn't have an F1 race.

Imola and the A1 Ring. Pleeeeaaassseee let them be brought back!!!!

[GRHinPorts]

Cant see the fuss about Imola myself...It was a dull circuit in pre 1995 configuration but one that at least allowed some overtaking. Its post Senna configuration was equally as dull with no overtaking ever.

What in the devils name is homologation ?

[GRHinPorts]

About time. It is a crime that Imola doesn't have an F1 race.

Imola and the A1 Ring. Pleeeeaaassseee let them be brought back!!!!

Noooo....Sorry I just could never see the point of either. Both mickey mouse non-event circuits. I mean if meant the old Osterreichering then you would be talking.

[andrew]

About time. It is a crime that Imola doesn't have an F1 race.

Imola and the A1 Ring. Pleeeeaaassseee let them be brought back!!!!

Noooo....Sorry I just could never see the point of either. Both mickey mouse non-event circuits.

Seriously?!

[LewEngBridewell]

What in the devils name is homologation ?

The granting of approval (in this case by the FIA), showing that certain high standards have been met.

[GRHinPorts]

About time. It is a crime that Imola doesn't have an F1 race.

Imola and the A1 Ring. Pleeeeaaassseee let them be brought back!!!!

Noooo....Sorry I just could never see the point of either. Both mickey mouse non-event circuits.

Seriously?!

Oh yes...We're not exactly talking about Spa, Silverstone or Suzuka are we?

Name one corner on either thats worth getting excited about. Its all squirt, brake, 2nd gear 3rd gear ordinaryness.

[andrew]

Oh yes...We're not exactly talking about Spa, Silverstone or Suzuka are we?

It is a quality circuit up there with Spa and Monza.

Name one corner on either thats worth getting excited about. Its all squirt, brake, 2nd gear 3rd gear ordinaryness.

Squirt, brake and low gears is what gives overtaking along with huge stops. The reconfigured Red Bull Ring/A1 Ring and Imola have these.

[MattMK45]

Well Acque Minerali for one, that is a very technical corner that if you get it right it is really rewarding and great to see it onboard. For sure Imola is a pretty bad circuit for overtaking but I like it a lot and I would also like to see how the lap times compare to previous seasons.

[GRHinPorts]

Oh yes...We're not exactly talking about Spa, Silverstone or Suzuka are we?

It is a quality circuit up there with Spa and Monza.

Name one corner on either thats worth getting excited about. Its all squirt, brake, 2nd gear 3rd gear ordinaryness.

Squirt, brake and low gears is what gives overtaking along with huge stops. The reconfigured Red Bull Ring/A1 Ring and Imola have these.

Seriously?

In the 12 Grand Prix between 1995 and 2006 at the re-configured Imola I dont think there was 1 single overtake for the lead at all (not counting pitstops).

The A1 Ring was only on the calendar for about 7 or 8 races between 1997 and 2004? and I cant say I recall too many classic overtaking moves there either save for Schumacher doing Hill into Turn 2 in 1997.

[andrew]

Oh yes...We're not exactly talking about Spa, Silverstone or Suzuka are we?

It is a quality circuit up there with Spa and Monza.

Name one corner on either thats worth getting excited about. Its all squirt, brake, 2nd gear 3rd gear ordinaryness.

Squirt, brake and low gears is what gives overtaking along with huge stops. The reconfigured Red Bull Ring/A1 Ring and Imola have these.

Seriously?

In the 12 Grand Prix between 1995 and 2006 at the re-configured Imola I dont think there was 1 single overtake for the lead at all (not counting pitstops).

The A1 Ring was only on the calendar for about 7 or 8 races between 1997 and 2004? and I cant say I recall too many classic overtaking moves there either save for Schumacher doing Hill into Turn 2 in 1997.

The same can be said for several other circuits.

[GRHinPorts]

Well Acque Minerali for one, that is a very technical corner that if you get it right it is really rewarding and great to see it onboard. For sure Imola is a pretty bad circuit for overtaking but I like it a lot and I would also like to see how the lap times compare to previous seasons.

Fair enough the new Acque Minerali is the best bit of the re-configured Imola. And I can understand its a pretty technical corner but for a TV viewer its not really adding that much to the race viewing experience. Perhaps if the straight that followed didnt end abruptly in that silly 3rd gear Varianta Bassa that Rubens crashed at in 1994 but instead ran onto the full length to the first of the Rivazzas then it would lead to some overtaking.

[GRHinPorts]

Oh yes...We're not exactly talking about Spa, Silverstone or Suzuka are we?

It is a quality circuit up there with Spa and Monza.

Name one corner on either thats worth getting excited about. Its all squirt, brake, 2nd gear 3rd gear ordinaryness.

Squirt, brake and low gears is what gives overtaking along with huge stops. The reconfigured Red Bull Ring/A1 Ring and Imola have these.

Seriously?

In the 12 Grand Prix between 1995 and 2006 at the re-configured Imola I dont think there was 1 single overtake for the lead at all (not counting pitstops).

The A1 Ring was only on the calendar for about 7 or 8 races between 1997 and 2004? and I cant say I recall too many classic overtaking moves there either save for Schumacher doing Hill into Turn 2 in 1997.

The same can be said for several other circuits.

Agreed...but thats hardly a stamp of merit is it???

The real shame with the A-1 ring is that its the exact same layout as the old Osterreichering (now thats a great older circuit that would be worth reviving) but all the corners instead of being big brave fast sweeps have been shrunk down to tiny slow corner chicances.

[scotty]

I love Imola, brilliant track full of wonderfully flowing corners. Would be great to see it back.