Panoramic view of the circuit.
Formula 1 World Championship, Rd3, San Marino Grand Prix, Imola, Italy, May 1, 1994.
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is hosting its 31st Grand Prix, formerly known as the San Marino Grand Prix. In 1980, it even replaced the Italian Grand Prix while Monza was undergoing renovations.
This year marks the fourth edition of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. During the F1 drivers’ press conference organized by the FIA in Italy, they were asked about their opinions on racing at an iconic venue with a rich history, especially on the weekend marking the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s death.
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari was the first to respond, expressing his appreciation for the classic charm and historical significance of tracks like Imola. He believes it is important to remember the sport’s roots and why fans became passionate about it. Sainz also mentioned the need to improve overtaking opportunities at tracks like Monaco and Imola to enhance the spectacle of racing.
Kevin Magnussen, a veteran driver for the Haas F1 team, shared similar sentiments. He agreed with Sainz’s comments on the racing aspect and emphasized the thrill of driving at tracks like Imola. Magnussen suggested that reducing pit stop times could lead to more two-stop strategies and potentially improve competition. He also highlighted the ongoing issue of tire overheating when following closely behind another car, which hampers the ability to race closely. Magnussen believes that facing these challenges would make races at Imola and similar tracks more enjoyable.
Pierre Gasly, from the Alpine F1 team, also shared the same sentiment: “I agree with all of Carlos’ points. It is a fundamental aspect of our sport. Just this week, I witnessed the rich history that has unfolded on this track.
“There were several videos of Michael driving the Ferrari, achieving victory and his impressive pole lap from years ago. That’s what sparked our passion for the sport.
“As a child, I vividly remember watching these drivers navigate this circuit. To this day, as Carlos mentioned, it is still one of the best tracks. The way you handle the kerbs and the iconic chicane make it a truly exciting track to drive on. The history associated with it is inspiring. I firmly believe it is crucial for our sport to preserve this kind of venue,” added the Frenchman.
Zhou Guanyu, a driver for Stake F1, who has competed in Imola only once as an F1 driver, echoed these sentiments: “Yes, there is not much to add. It has always been one of my favorite tracks. These few selected tracks have always had a special place in my heart since my early days in single-seater racing, specifically in F4.
“Similar to what Pierre mentioned, it is a pleasure to drive on this track and experience its classic charm while enjoying the immense downforce capabilities of our modern generation cars,” explained Zhou, the first Chinese F1 driver.
Lando Norris, winner of the Miami Grand Prix, also contributed to the discussion: “We desire circuits like these because they represent a greater challenge for us as drivers. However, it is worth noting that these types of tracks are often criticized for their limited overtaking opportunities and the abundance of run-off areas.
“At times, overtaking can be more successful on these tracks. Therefore, we must find a balance. However, as Carlos mentioned, the pit lane in Imola is exceptionally long, which diminishes the strategic aspect of the races. Nevertheless, history is an integral part of every sport, and it is important to preserve certain aspects of it for various reasons.
“We love these tracks, but we also want more intense races. That’s why some tracks are being removed from the calendar, as the races are not up to par and lack excitement. However, we want to continue racing on these tracks, so certain improvements must be made to achieve this.
“I participated in the Monaco Historique, and the highlight for me was the sound. Firstly, the sound needs to be enhanced. Additionally, smaller and lighter cars would instantly improve the overall experience. A combination of various factors must be addressed.
“Only then can we fully appreciate these tracks. Otherwise, there may come a time when we will no longer race here due to the lack of overtaking,” expressed the British driver, who recently achieved his first victory and now aims for the top spot on the podium at Imola on Sunday. He finished third when F1 last visited Imola in 2002.
© 2024
Portugal wins Euro 2024 in thrilling final
On Sunday afternoon, the Portuguese national football team made history by winning the 2024 Euro in a thrilling final against France. The Portuguese team showed determination and grit to win 2-1, with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva. The game was played at Wembley Stadium in London and was attended by over 80,000 fans.
The match started with France dominating the game and opening the scoring with a goal from Kylian Mbappé in the 20th minute of the first half. However, Portugal did not give up and managed to equalize still in the first half, with a penalty goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. The second half was marked by a lot of excitement and goal opportunities for both teams, but it was Bernardo Silva who scored the winning goal for Portugal in the 75th minute.
The conquest of the Eurocup is a historic milestone for Portuguese football, which had already won the tournament in 2016. The team, led by coach Fernando Santos, showed an excellent performance throughout the competition, overcoming major teams such as Germany, Spain, and England.
After the match, Cristiano Ronaldo, elected the best player of the tournament, expressed his happiness and gratitude for the victory. “I am very proud to be part of this team and to represent my country. This victory is for all the Portuguese who supported us throughout the Eurocup,” declared the star.
Portugal’s victory in the 2024 Eurocup also marks the end of an era for European football. At 39 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo announced that this will be his last international competition. The player, considered one of the greatest of all time, ends his career in the national team on a high note, winning two Eurocup titles and a World Cup.
Now, the world’s eyes turn to the next edition of the World Cup, which will be held in Qatar in 2026. Portugal, with its talented and experienced team, will certainly be one of the favorites for the title. Portuguese fans are already eager to see their team shine again on the international stage.
