Having not appeared on the calendar since 2006, Imola returned as a venue in 2020 during the shortened COVID-19 campaign, where it reminded the world of why it’s one of F1’s most beloved circuits, and it has remained a fixture ever since.

Imola first appeared on the F1 calendar in 1980, as the scene of the Italian Grand Prix, and went on to hold a further 26 F1 races under the guise of the San Marino Grand Prix until 2006 – including in 1994, when the race tragically claimed the lives of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna.

For drivers, a myriad of factors combine to make Imola one of the most enjoyable circuits on the calendar. Nestled in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, south east of Bologna, Imola is guaranteed to provide a proper, old-school challenge for the drivers. It is a narrow 4.909km track that is packed full of medium to high-speed corners and proves a tough test for both driver and car.

The tightness of the track and its short length accentuate the high-speed feel of a lap, with minimal run-off areas and multiple gradient changes. Its anti-clockwise orientation also makes it a real strain on the neck.

The circuit wasn’t designed for cars to race side by side and has only one DRS detection point, so overtaking can be tough. Imola is one of those tracks where the importance of Qualifying is heightened. The best spot for making a move tends to be on the pit straight, which proceeds the flat-out final corner and is succeeded by a flat-out first turn. You’ll want to pay close attention to the Acque Minerali, Rivazza and Piratella corners as well, which showcase Imola’s old-school feel.

Senna took three San Marino Grand Prix wins with McLaren, while David Coulthard bagged the team’s last win here in 1998.