F1, Imola prepares for the Grand Prix
In Imola, in the heart of the “Motor Valley” of the Emilia-Romagna region, from Friday, May 19th, to Sunday, May 21st, the engines of Formula 1 will be heard again thanks to the Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the sixth round of the 2023 F1 World Championship. The response from fans has been immediate. Tickets sold so far for race day have exceeded 82%: at least 160,000 spectators are expected at the Italian circuit over the weekend.
In a unique district in the world – home to major brands in the two- and four-wheel sectors, great champions, innovation, and knowledge – the Grand Prix represents a unique opportunity to transform one of the most followed sporting events in the world into an extraordinary opportunity for international promotion of Made in Italy and the automotive industry, starting from the “Motor Valley of Emilia-Romagna.”
The numbers speak for themselves: the 2022 Formula 1 edition was watched by 82.2 million viewers worldwide and – according to a JFC study – generated an economic return of over 274 million euros for the region. It is a result that rewards the teamwork of an entire territory, in close synergy with the government and Formula 1 itself. Just a few hours before the day dedicated to free practice sessions that will officially kick off the first European event of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship, the Grand Prix and agreements between institutional partners and non-institutional partners were presented on Monday morning in Bologna, at the headquarters of the Emilia-Romagna region.
Comments from Sticchi Damiani
“We are extraordinarily proud of starting the Imola Grand Prix, which, for three years, celebrates Made in Italy in its name,” said Angelo Sticchi Damiani, president of the Automobile Club of Italy. “Pride, because Imola is in the heart of the Motor Valley, both for enthusiasts and for the ACI, which organizes the event, just like in Monza. Italy has always been a protagonist in global motorsport, a witness to its relevance as a driving force for innovation and the development of the automotive industry since its early days. The Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Circuit is not just an asphalt track: it is a community, with its own history and perspective. It is the symbol of the many men and women who – as drivers, constructors, designers, technicians, and mechanics – fuel our passion and contribute every day to the technological progress of our cars, even in their electric future. In Imola, with the Grand Prix, we celebrate all of this and once again confirm Italy’s true automotive excellence.” – Sticchi Damiani explained.
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Stefano Domenicali’s comments
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, spoke with a video message: “This is a special edition because Imola is celebrating its 70th anniversary. I was born and raised there, so it holds a special place in my heart. But it is also special for Formula 1 because this circuit has written important pages in motorsport history. My passion for racing was born there. It is a historic venue, but like everything in Formula 1, the circuit is renewing and improving. This year it will host a new qualifying format in which drivers will have to use hard tires in Q1, medium tires in Q2, and soft tires in Q3. This will make qualifying day even more interesting. It will be a great celebration on and off the track, with a Fanzone full of fantastic activities and the welcoming atmosphere that Emilia Romagna can offer. So, happy 70th birthday to Imola. I can’t wait to come back.” – the former Ferrari boss explained.
Hunt for the last tickets
There is still a chance not to miss this great spectacle. There are still tickets available for Sunday (general admission and some grandstands), Saturday, and Friday (grandstands, lawn, and general admission) that fans can purchase directly here. To increase the availability of seats and meet the needs of fans and enthusiasts, the Autodromo has created six new grandstands at the Villeneuve, Tosa, Gresini, Acque Minerali curves, and in the starting area in front of the pits, bringing the capacity to 90,000 seats.
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