San Marino: Imola track facts

Imola awaits
By BAR F1 (21/04/2004)
April 21 2004

The arrival of the Grand Prix teams in Imola marks the start of Formula One's European season. Located in Tuscan woodland 20 miles south-east of Bologna, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari was first used in 1952.

Through the years, as a venue for both the San Marino and Italian Grands Prix, it has gained a reputation as a fast, narrow circuit with some truly daunting corners. Following the tragic deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna in 1994 however, the straights were shortened and punctuated by chicanes. As the nature of the circuit changed, so chassis set-up priorities shifted from low downforce, which maximises straight-line speed, to higher levels of downforce, which keep cornering speeds up.

Despite the modifications, Imola remains an interesting circuit for the drivers. The straights aren't so long that they place an absolute premium on outright power, while the chicanes and bumpy track surface demand good handling characteristics. Along with Interlagos, Imola also holds the distinction of being one of only two anti-clockwise circuits used during the year.

• Honda-powered F1 drivers have been on the podium 12 times at Imola.
  
  
• Honda has won the San Marino GP four times - with Ayrton Senna in 1988, 1989 and 1991; and with Nigel Mansell in 1987.
  
  
• Jenson Button finished eighth in the 2003 San Marino GP.