Among all of the uncertainty over the future of Monza in Formula One, Imola has officially signed an agreement with Bernie Ecclestone to host the Italian Grand Prix in 2017. Ecclestone has not yet signed the deal, as he waits for approval from the Automobile Club d’Italia.
Representatives from the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, often referred to as Imola, met with Ecclestone at the British Grand Prix to discuss the deal that would see the Italian Grand Prix move to Imola in 2017, after Monza’s contract expires. Amidst Monza’s financial issues, the Automobile Club d’Italia will become the event organizer in 2017. In order to officially change the location of the Italian Grand Prix, Ecclestone will need to get approval from the Automobile Club d’Italia, which is still supporting Monza’s case.
Although Imola is in a strong enough financial position to host the Italian Grand Prix solo, it is possible that there could be an alternating deal. This would see Imola host the event in 2017 and Monza hosting the event in 2018. This is similar to the German Grand Prix deal between the Nürburgring and Hockenheimring.
The circuit previously hosted the San Marino Grand Prix from 1981 to 2006. It was removed from the Formula One calendar in 2007, as the season calendar was shortened by one round. The circuit has an unfortunate history, being forever remembered for the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix horror weekend, which saw the fatal accidents of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, as well as a pitlane accident which injured workers, a massive accident which injured Rubens Barrichello and a red flag for an accident at the start of the race. Since the circuit was removed from the calendar in 2007, the owners of the circuit have made various changes to the layout of the circuit, including adding chicanes to the Villeneuve and Tamburello corners, as well as removing the chicanes from Variante Bassa and Acque Minerale. The circuit is also working on adding new track facilities.
The FIA granted the circuit a 1T grade in 2008, meaning that it would have the ability to be used in Formula One for testing purposes. In 2011, the FIA upgraded their rating, meaning that the circuit was fit to host a Grand Prix event.
It is unknown how long it will take for the deal to officially be approved, or if it will even receive approval. The switch will likely need to be approved before the end of the year, in order to give Imola time to renovate and promote the event.
