There are some events that are classics in their own right and every enthusiast should try to attend them at least once. In the world of Formula One I would venture that there are 2, Monaco and The Italian Grand Prix (Imola).
Monaco is famous for glamour where beautiful (and rich) people mix with the gladiators of the track. As a venue there is nothing quite like Monaco for a street race. The harbour and its fabulous yachts provide a stunning background to what can be a fairly mundane race.
The Italian Grand Prix at Imola is quite a contrast. There is very little glamour, the race takes place in a dusty park, but it has history and passion and of course the Tifosi. Make no mistake this is Ferrari territory.
My son is a passionate Formula One fan and a member of the Tifosi. I followed Formula One for a while but was more enthusiastic about rallying. However we both attend each others events and enjoy the contrast between the different forms of motorsport.
Italy is one of our favourite holiday destinations and we sometimes combine this with a trip to Imola for the Grand Prix. We haven’t visited since before the Covid pandemic so a trip was due.
There are many ways to attend the Grand Prix, staying local, say in Milan is convenient (and expensive). Instead we booked a package holiday on Lake Garda in the town of Pescheria which has a direct rail link to Milan. The journey takes about an hour and a further 20 minutes to Imola, followed by a 20 minute coach ride to the circuit.
We attended practice on the Thursday as it was an opportunity to trial the route and timings and the best opportunity to see the cars. In addition to the actual race there is a full programme of other races and a Fanzone with displays and interviews.
A word of warning though, the weather can be an issue. It was over 30 degrees when we attended practice and most people were hiding in the shade between the F1 cars being on track. Drinking lots water is essential but bottles were limited to 250ml (though you could take as many bottles as you wanted). Also aerosol based sun tan lotion is not permitted. Two days after the race it poured with rain, so you never know what you are going to get.
The Imola Circuit, officially called the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, is a 4.909 km 3.050 mile track located in Imola. It is one of the few major international circuits to run in an anti-clockwise direction. The first race at Imola was held in 1953 and the circuit is named after the founder of the Ferrari car company, Enzo Ferrari and his son Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari.
Safety concerns with the circuit were raised throughout the 1980s and 1990s, particularly with the high speed Tamburello corner where numerous accidents occurred. This resulted in fatalities, including the death of Ayrton Senna in 1994. Chicanes were introduced at multiple points to reduce cornering speeds, which changed the nature of the course and caused problems with their high kerbs.
Formula One stopped racing at Imola in 2007, leading the circuit owners to undertake major reconstruction work to the track. Formula One eventually returned in 2020 and is considered to be the home circuit of the Scuderia Ferrari racing team, based in nearby Maranello.
On race day we set off at 9am from Peschiera arriving at Milan station just after 10am. The station was packed with fans from all over the world sporting the colours of their particular team. We boarded the train for Imola and then the bus to the circuit. It was quite well organised with good queue management and we were very quickly on our way.
On arrival at the circuit there was a 25 minute walk to the entrance which was hot and dusty. Various concessions were there selling drink, clothing and flags. Getting into the circuit was straight forward and we headed for our grandstand. We didn’t go in immediately as we need to shelter from the sun so we wandered around the fan zone for a while.
Eventually it got close to race time and we headed to the grandstand to take our seats. When I say seats I mean a piece of metal that had been baking in the sun for four hours. I strongly recommend a towel or foam base to sit on and a hat to keep the sun off (preferably one that covers your neck too).
Our grandstand had an excellent view of the second chicane, though the fence spoiled the photographs. A large screen opposite kept us up to date with what was happening on the rest of the circuit and commentary was in Italian and English.
The race was brilliant if you were a Ferrari fan. Lando was passed on the opening lap by his team mate Piastri. Leclerc then pushed past Norris to take second place causing the most explosive cheer I have ever heard. It was then a battle of strategy. Piastri was on a two stop strategy, as were most of the teams. Ferrari took a risk and went one stop. Their strategy worked as Piastri just couldn’t catch Leclerc. As the race ended the madness began and the Tifosi poured onto the circuit. A Ferrari win on their home circuit was the perfect end to a days racing.
Just a few bits of information for anyone considering making the trip in the future. The tickets for the Grand Prix cost £400 including a grand stand seat. We would recommend buying a seat as it guarantees you a good view of the action. Stay at a location on a main railway line to Milan. From there you can buy a ticket which will take you by train and bus right to the circuit. But be prepared for that 25 minutes to walk through the park to the circuit.
It goes without saying that the train service is pretty good, though it is a myth that the trains are always on time. However be aware that trains are run by different companies and the faster trains with fewer stops cost more. Also you have to buy your ticket from the right company. A train app makes this a lot easier. Also, even though it is more expensive, buy single tickets as you don’t what time train you will be returning on and which company operates it.
What classic event do you think to be a must see? Why not tell us in the comments.