he Imola race track was born in the early 1950's, the inspiration coming from a group of motor racing enthusiasts. The idea was to link existing public roads to form a racing circuit at which local manufacturers could test their products. Ferrari were among the first to test there and in 1954, the track staged its first sportscar event.

The circuit was renamed 'Autodromo Enzo & Dino Ferrari', following the Old Man's death in 1988, and the 1999 and 2000 races saw popular Ferrari wins for Schumacher. With the arrival of new and modern tracks, the Imola facility now needs upgrading if it is to retain its place on the F1 calendar.