Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has signed a new three-season deal to remain on the F1 calendar until end of 2025 season.
The race at Imola which used to be known as ‘San Marino Grand Prix’ returned after a 13 season absence in 2020 as a replacement race in a rearranged calendar, due to the Coronavirus pandemic forcing the cancellation of several races on the original calendar.
F1 then returned to Imola again last season as a replacement race after China again was axed from the calendar, which is also the case this season with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix set for weekend of 22-24 April 2022.
F1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali is “delighted” to extend the deal which will see Imola host three further races on the calendar beyond this season in a proper permanent deal.
Explaining why Imola is staying on the calendar and is positive news for Italian motorsport fans, Domenicali said: “The circuit is iconic and has been part of the history of our sport and they have done an incredible job of hosting two races during the pandemic.
“It is a proud moment for our Italian fans to host two races and for all our fans around the world to see this fantastic circuit on the calendar for the future.”
Automobile Club of Italy President, Angelo Sticchi Damiani added that this is a huge step in recognising the “great history and the strong tie of its territory to the world of engines” that Imola has had across the years.
Sticchi Damiani added that this new deal also marks “great success” for Italian motorsport through “important support received from various local authorities.”
Emilia Romagna President, Stefano Bonaccini meanwhile hailed this announcement as “an extraordinary result” for the region, which has successfully hosted two races during the Coronavirus pandemic without presence of fans.
Bonaccini added that this new deal will allow a “spotlight” on the region’s history within Italian motorsport and will be “a great source of pride and a precious opportunity to discuss values, knowledge and professionalism that translate first and foremost into work, innovation and the ability to do business together and with great passion.”
Imola first hosted a F1 race in 1980 after the Italian GP was moved from Monza that season before remaining on the calendar, albeit under the San Marino GP banner until it was dropped after 2006 season until it returned in 2020.
Last year’s event was won by Max Verstappen in wet-to-dry conditions en route to his maiden F1 title.
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