The last time Ferrari and the other teams set in motion a turnover equal to 274 million and 167 thousand euros. This is how much Formula 1 is worth in Imola. After the 2022 cancellation due to the flood tragedy, the Santerno circuit is roaring back. At the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack, from 17 to 19 May, Formula 1 is coming.
The Imola Grand Prix and the Motor Valley: the program
It is the celebration of MotorValley than in the supply chain of the automotive industry counts, along the Via Emilia, approximately 800 companies, 1,200 local units and 25 thousand employees, for a turnover achieved in 2022 of over 15 billion (equal to 13.5% of the national supply chain) and an export of 10.9 billion euros (18% of the national supply chain). Imola inaugurates the European racing season: two free practice sessions on Friday (from 1.30pm to 2.30pm and from 5pm to 6pm) while on Saturday the third free practice session will be held (from 12.30pm to 1.30pm) and qualifying (from 4pm to 5pm). The GP starts on Sunday. In addition to Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 and Porsche Supercup will be on track during the weekend.
Over 200,000 spectators are expected over the weekend along the Santerno
A huge crowd is expected, but more are expected on the track 200 thousand spectators. «We are moderately optimistic that it will be a good weekend, they are left approx 9 thousand tickets for Sundayeven important places, we have lawn places, many places for Friday and Saturday”, he predicts Gian Carlo Minardi, president of the Autodromo, on the sidelines of the presentation press conference in the Emilia-Romagna Region, which was attended by the governor Stefano Bonaccinithe mayor of Imola Marco Panieri and the president of Agenzia Ice Matteo Zoppas. The president of Aci connected remotely Angelo Sticchi Damiani and the president and CEO of Cantine Ferrari Matteo Lunelli.
A race with three meanings for the city of motors
For Imola the one arriving in ten days it won’t be a race like any other. On the table there is not only the issue of post-flood restart. This Grand Prix takes place on the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, which occurred in Imola in one of the most tragic weekends in the history of motor racing. And then there is another aspect, that of negotiations with the FIA, for the renewal of the agreement. Imola wants to do everything to avoid that painful absence that went on from 2006 until 2020. The current agreement expires in 2025 and renewal is not automatic. «The situation is obviously complex, there would be hope, on which we would like to work, of recovering 2023 in 2026. It would be another little step forward and then everything depends a lot on what will happen in Europe in the next two-three years”, explains Sticchi Damiani.
The crux of the renewal: «We would like to extend it to at least 2026»
«It is clear that when we talk about removing Ggreat prizes for Europe we think of those who have two, this seems clear to me – admits number one Aci – We must resist”. Bonaccini, however, has no doubts: «When we reported Imola they told us it was impossible. After 110 years of history we took the first stages of the Tour de France to the start and they told us not to even try because it was impossible. The Davis Cup came and they told us it was impossible because they were taking it away. Rest assured that the Imola Grand Prix will remain here”, promises the president of the Region and leader of the Democratic Party at the European Championships in June. And Panieri assures Imola’s commitment: «The future prospect is to continue investing because we want to stay on the calendar with this and other initiatives, so the Imola racetrack is ready and is doing its part.”
