Rewind to December 19th, 2013, @iracing announced it had reached an agreement with Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari (aka Imola) to create a laser-scanned version of the famed Italian circuit. Fast forward to April 7th 2016, and we are now getting our very first glimpse of this iconic circuit scheduled for a June 2016 release. I am sure many a sim racer has this circuit pegged as one of their favourite F1 circuits and have been eagerly awaiting this great news!
Imola has seen many thrilling battles over the years and has helped shape modern F1 as we know it today. Sadly, it has also become a place of remembrance for F1 drivers, Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, both having tragically lost their lives at this circuit in its darkest weekend back in 1994.
Historic Imola and current layout
The circuit was introduced as a semi- permanent venue in 1953, it had no chicanes, so the run from Rivazza all the way to Tosa, through the pits and the Tamburello, was totally flat out. The run from Acque Minerali all the way to Rivazza was just a long straight with a few small bends; the circuit remained in this configuration until 1972.
From 2007 onwards, the circuit has undergone major revisions. The Variante Bassa chicane was removed, making the run from Rivazza to the first Tamburello chicane totally flat-out, much like the circuit in its original fast-flowing days.
The original pit garages and paddock were demolished and completely rebuilt, while the pitlane was extended and resurfaced. This reconstruction work was overseen by German track architect Hermann Tilke.
In June 2008, with most of the reconstruction work completed, The FIA gave the track a “1T” rating, meaning that an official Formula One Test can be held at the circuit; circuits require the “1” homologation to host a Formula One Grand Prix. However, as of August 2011, the track received a ‘1’ FIA homologation rating after a recent inspection by Charlie Whiting.
June 2015, the circuit owners confirmed they were in talks to return to the Formula 1 World Championship calendar should Monza, whose contract expires at the conclusion of the 2016 season, be unable to reach a new agreement with the sports promoters to keep hosting a round of the F1 world championship.
Current layout:
Surface: Asphalt
Length: 4.909 km or 3.050 mi
Number of turns: 17
Lap record: 120.411 sec. Michael Schumacher Ferrari F2004 F1
