It’s all set: after six Grands Prix, the Formula 1 circus finally arrives— for the first time this year—on Italian soil. As was the case last season, the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit will open the European leg of the championship. Today, May 7, the press conference for the 2025 Emilia-Romagna GP was held at the Imola circuit, during which numerous new features were unveiled.
Imola remains one of the most anticipated Grands Prix, both by Italian fans and by many drivers, who consider it among the most fascinating and technical tracks on the calendar. And now it’s just around the corner: from May 16 to 18, Formula 1 will return for the 32nd time to race along the banks of the Santerno, through the iconic ups and downs of the Romagna track.
During the press conference, all the new features planned for the 2025 edition were presented, along with a full schedule of activities on and off the track. Great attention was also given to the future of the Italian Grand Prix on the Formula 1 calendar, a topic that has been widely debated in recent weeks.
According to what emerged, this year the circuit will welcome over 200,000 fans over the weekend, with an estimated economic impact of around 300 million euros. “Hosting the F1 Grand Prix once again is a great source of pride for us,” said Michele de Pascale, president of the Emilia-Romagna Region.
“Our region is the cradle of the Motor Valley, a unique ecosystem where passion, innovation, and tradition coexist. Every corner of the territory tells a story with the roar of engines as its soundtrack—from workshops to major car manufacturers, from historic circuits to museums dedicated to motorsport legends.”
Many updates were presented by Tullio Del Sette, special commissioner of the ACI, and by the mayor of Imola, Marco Panieri. “There will be many new features, starting with the installation of new mobile grandstands. These will allow us to accommodate up to 90,000 spectators per day, making the experience even more enjoyable and safe.”
“Our entire city will be transformed to host this great event: it will become a true ‘Fan City’. Throughout the week, especially from Thursday to Sunday, Imola will offer a full schedule designed to engage fans, families, residents, and tourists. DJ sets, concerts, book presentations, museums, driving simulators, exhibits dedicated to the history of Formula 1, show cars, meet-and-greets with drivers, and much more.”
The conference also included words about what the future of the circuit on the calendar could look like. “This is a game we have to play and win. It’s the biggest challenge that awaits us in the coming month. Imola is the perfect place for F1: it’s not a matter of budget.”
“The Italian system has the resources and wants to put them to use. Each stakeholder, starting with the Emilia-Romagna Region, already has the resources allocated for 2026. We’ll see what happens.”
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