Ferrari at Imola: A Legacy of Endurance Racing

The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola is set to host its first-ever FIA World Endurance Championship race. Inaugurated in 1953, the track is characterised by its frequent changes in gradient and intricate layout, featuring such world-renowned corners as the ‘Tosa’, ‘Acque Minerali’ and ‘Rivazza’.

The track at Imola enjoys international recognition, particularly for its role as the venue for 30 Formula 1 Grand Prix races. Specifically, the Imola circuit has hosted one Italian GP (1980), 26 San Marino GPs (1981-2006), one Emilia-Romagna GP (2020), and two ‘Made in Italy’ and Emilia-Romagna Formula 1 GPs (2021-22). The Prancing Horse has taken part in all the events mentioned above: at Imola, Scuderia Ferrari has notched up eight victories, clinched six pole positions, set ten fastest laps and secured a total of 24 podium finishes (in the classic F1 race format). Adding to the accolades is a podium finish in 2022, as Charles Leclerc claimed second place in the Sprint Race. 

The history of the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari – renamed in 1988 in honour of the founder of the Maranello-based manufacturer following his passing – boasts several noteworthy milestones in endurance racing. Over the decades, the venue has staged various endurance races. These include the Imola 500 kilometres, which in 1972 produced a Ferrari one-two for the 312 PB: Arturo Merzario clinched victory in the race, part of the Italian Sport Championship, which unfolded in two heats followed by the final, ahead of Jacky Ickx. Over the 1,000-kilometre distance, the track hosted a World Sportscar Championship race in 1984.

In more recent years, the Imola circuit has hosted a 6-hour race on the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup calendar (2011), with a win for Giancarlo Fisichella and Gianmaria Bruni in the LMGTE Pro class in the AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia GT2. Imola appeared on the European Le Mans Series calendar from 2013 to 2016 and in 2022, and this championship will be back in the spotlight again this year.

The 2024 season marks the venue’s FIA WEC debut, with a track length of 4.909 kilometres and featuring 21 corners. Named in honour of Enzo and Dino Ferrari, this track hosted the unveiling of the 499P during the Finali Mondiali Ferrari 2022, a model that would make its racing debut the following year.