Imola increases difficulty level: gravel added at Gresini, less runoff areas. Imola has undergone an important makeover ahead of 2024 F1 race.

There is great anticipation for the return of Formula 1 to Imola. Over 200,000 people are expected in the stands of the Italian circuit to welcome back the series, which takes place two years after its last appearance, taking into account the flood that canceled the 2023 edition.

For the occasion, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari has undergone an important makeover: the circuit has increased its level of difficulty, and there will be little margin for error for the drivers. Gravel has indeed been added at the exit from the Gresini chicane, previously known as Variante Alta: if Charles Leclerc were to make a mistake here, as happened in 2022, it would be more difficult for him to rejoin the track.

Other changes
These aerial images taken last March show the changes in Imola compared to the last Grand Prix organized in Formula 1: it is also noticeable how the asphalt section has been reduced at Piratella and removed at Acque Minerali.

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix taking place on May 19 will also be significant as Ferrari will introduce the first updates to the SF-24, and it will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.