In 2020, the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari made its return to the Formula 1 calendar. No F1 car has ever raced there since 2006. However, Imola made a glorious return as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in the 2020 season. Now, the race is back once again in 2021 at the iconic circuit.
However, it does beg the question, ‘why was the Imola GP absent for so long?’. Apparently the primary reason was because F1 wanted to accommodate the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps. The Imola circuit was a true old school circuit and one of the most popular.
The truth of the matter was that the circuit did not meet the FIA standards for a fairly long time. However, ever since it got a major renovation, it finally received approval to host a Formula 1 race. Admittedly, many thought that Imola’s chances of returning was slim, because F1 was still expanding its empire.
What brought Imola’s return to Formula 1
The iconic circuit has hosted F1 races for 14 years, 15 if we include the 2020 season. Another reason behind its absence could be because it could not afford to pay the hosting fee. Luckily, the circuit is back on the calendar and Lewis Hamilton won the 2020 edition of the race.
Now, the circuit has been bumped up the order to 2nd. After its exciting return, many drivers and fans are excited to go back to Imola once again. Despite its bad reputation, after the tragic passing of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, many fans still love the track.
Last year was a treat for Italian fans, as Imola joined Monza and Mugello on the calendar. In other words, there were three Italian rounds in the 2020 Formula One world championship. This year, there is no Mugello, barring something dramatic like a last-minute addition or drop off from the 2021 F1 calendar.
READ MORE: Imola, Portimao Tipped to Return as F1’s ‘Plan B’ for 2021
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