F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix preview: Previous winners at Imola, fastest lap, track layout and more

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One of the most recognisable tracks in Formula One history, the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari — better known to racing fans as Imola — has delivered action-packed races, dramatic endings and its fair share of tragedy since its inaugural Grand Prix in 1980. 

The home of the San Marino Grand Prix between 1981 and 2006, the fast flowing track was added back onto the F1 calendar in 2020.

Since then, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have taken vital race victories, with both going on to claim the World Drivers' Championship in the same seasons. 

From circuit stats to previous results, The Sporting News tells you everything you need to know about the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and its esteemed history.

MORE: Predictions, odds, betting tips, best bets for 2023 Imola race

Imola circuit facts and layout

  • First Grand Prix hosted: 1980
  • Numbers of laps: 63
  • Circuit length: 4.909km
  • Total race distance: 309.049km
IMOLA-circuit
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MORE: 2023 season calendar, list of circuits, fastest ever lap times and more

Five interesting facts about the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

  • Now named the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, this event is only the second in F1 history to have had three different official names. 
     
  • Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver in F1 history at this track. The German took seven race victories here, over double the amount of anybody else!
     
  • Despite wining only three times in Imola, legendary Brazilian Ayrton Senna holds the record for most pole positions at this event with 8. 
     
  • The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix takes its name from the region where the track is based. 
     
  • This circuit at Imola is one of the oldest in Formula One after its original stone foundations were laid all the way back in March 1950. 

List of previous winners of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Below is a full list of winners at Imola. This circuit held the Italian Grand Prix in 1980, and the San Marino Grand Prix between 1981 to 2006 before it was selected to host the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from 2020 onwards.

YearWinnerConstructor of winner
1980Nelson PiquetBrabham
1981Nelson PiquetBrabham
1982Didier PeroniFerrari
1983Patrick TambayFerrari
1984Alain ProstMcLaren
1985Elio de AngelisLotus
1986Alain ProstMcLaren
1987Nigel MansellWilliams
1988Ayrton SennaMcLaren
1989Ayrton SennaMcLaren
1990Riccardo PatreseWilliams
1991Ayrton SennaMcLaren
1992Nigels MansellWilliams
1993Alain ProstWilliams
1994Michael SchumacherBenetton
1995Damon HillWilliams
1996Damon HillWilliams
1997Heinz-Harald FrentzenWilliams
1998David Coulthard McLaren
1999Michael SchumacherFerrari
2000Michael SchumacherFerrari
2001Ralf SchumacherWilliams
2002Michael SchumacherFerrari
2003Michael SchumacherFerrari
2004Michael SchumacherFerrari
2005Fernando AlonsoRenault
2006Michael SchumacherFerrari
2020Lewis HamiltonMercedes
2021Max VerstappenRed Bull
2022Max VerstappenRed Bull

Who holds the record for fastest lap at Imola? 

British driver Lewis Hamilton holds the record for fastest lap recorded at Imola with a 1:15.484 back in 2020.

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 031523
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During a weekend that became a two-day event for the first time in modern F1 — with just one practice session taking place — Hamilton was originally out-qualified by Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

Not to be outdone by his Finnish colleague, Hamilton roared back in the race, posting his record lap time at Imola on his way to claiming another victory that season. The British driver would go on to win the World Drivers' Championship with ease in 2020. 

Author(s)
Nathan Evans Photo

Nathan Evans is a data editor for The Sporting News.