Ever wondered what it's like to stand at the edge of one of the most legendary circuits in motorsport history?
My visit to Imola, or Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, to give its full name, became more than just a tick off the bucket list, it redefined spectating motorsport.
This was a dream destination on a long roadtrip from the UK to Northern Italy in April 2024, also taking in France, Monaco, Austria and Germany en route. This was a dream come true; a European adventure across the continent in a GT car, to an iconic track.
Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari
I’ve visited a lot of circuits in the UK and abroad, Imola has to be the best as a spectator. All of the grandstands put you at the side of the action and the elevated viewing means you’re not looking through catch-fencing, so it is a photographers dream. This made the event feel super-inclusive and involved, the atmosphere was electric.
Let’s talk about the track, it has all the hallmarks of a classic:
- Laid gracefully over the landscape, giving a third dimension to the action.
- Gravel traps ensure that track-limits manage themselves.
- Zero respite for drivers with all of the corners coming thick and fast, there’s no long straight to rest and re-group.
The circuit is at the edge of the city. With Rivazza overlooked by some very special apartments, you’re only a few minutes walk from the centre. It is a great place to visit and not have to worry about trekking to accommodation or finding racing essentials like beer and pizza. This is Italy after all.
Its compact size makes a WEC event ideal, it’s easily possible to walk a full lap during the 6-hours hopping into each of the grandstands along the way and getting to experience every aspect of the track and its challenges.
Support Races
We arrived for Porsche Carrera Cup practice and settled on the main straight to soak up the atmosphere. Many 911s had taken up residence in one of the paddock car parks, getting up close with the garage teams and drivers who were more than happy for a quick picture and a chat.
Also, as you would expect in Italy, there was a Lamborghini Super Trofeo support race, which consisted of over 50 v10s singing around the track for practice, qualifying, and two races.
All three days there was a packed agenda from 9am to after 6pm, meaning there was always something on track and barely a gap between the events.
The Main Event
The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is the pinnacle of endurance motorsport. WEC events test the durability of machines and drivers over extended periods, ranging from 6 hours to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The championship also features some of the world’s most iconic tracks, such as Spa-Francorchamps, Fuji Speedway, and here in Imola.
I find WEC especially compelling because of the multi-class format, where different types of cars compete on track at the same time. This creates constant overtaking, high-stakes traffic navigation, and drama as Hypercars weave through packs of GT machines.
Tickets were less than £50 per person and included access to all of the seated grandstands and we opted to take part in the pit walk, meeting the drivers, getting signatures and merchandise. This was a epic decision, meeting F1 World Champion Jenson Button was a standout memory, along with the all-women team; the Iron Dames.
Access at the WEC is unparalleled in motorsport and so far removed from the exclusivity of F1. If you love motorsport but haven’t been to a WEC event before I would recommend giving it a go.
Imola WEC Top Tips
- Whilst it is quiet, maybe during practice, take a moment on the lawn at Riavazza to soak in 270º of racing as cars take on the last two corners, this is totally unique in racing.
- If it rains, then you are obliged to get pizza and Aperol.
- Although popular, the pit walk is a great opportunity to meet and get autographs from all of the drivers. Pick either the Saturday or Sunday and jump right into the chaos.
- All of the grandstands are open, meaning a walking lap of the track, nipping into each of the stands is a must. Use the practice sessions to find where you want to watch start and finish from, they don’t have to be the same.
- Take a moment to reflect at the Ayrton Senna & Roland Ratzenberger memorials near Tamburello. There is also a memorial for Gilles Villeneuve who lost his life in Belgium 2-years prior.
- Lastly, make the most of the at-track facilities. We went to the in field restaurant and brewery, Doppio Malto, on Saturday and Sunday to eat, drink and wait for the traffic to leave.
Getting There
If a 2,000 mile, multi-day road trip through Europe doesn’t fit the agenda, then you’ll be pleased to know that rail and air make Imola easily accessible.
Rail in Italy are well served, with a high-speed train connecting Imola to most major Italian cites within hours. Bologna is the nearest mainline station, with a 30-minute transfer into Imola. It is 16-hours and 4-trains to get from London to Imola, crossing the Alps this way.
London flights are up to three times daily and go direct into Bologna. With a flight time of only 2-hours, this makes Imola a great destination for a European race.
Away from the Circuit
As a motorsports fan, the surrounding region of Emilia-Romagna is essentially the Motor Valley of Italy. Here's what you can explore nearby:
Ferrari Museum, Maranello
A must for any Ferrari lover. Walk through the F1 Hall, engine displays, and even do a simulator session. You can also book a factory tour if you plan in advance.
Ducati Museum, Bologna
See iconic Ducati bikes, racing models, and the evolution of their unique design and tech. Great if you love MotoGP or superbikes in general. This legendary manufacturer has won it all.
Lamborghini Museum, Sant’Agata Bolognese
Back on 4-wheels, this museum features both classic and modern Lambos, including some rare concept cars. A factory tour is optional but epic if you're into performance engineering.
Pagani Factory & Museum, San Cesario sul Panaro
Pagani is ultra-luxury and very niche, but the museum and guided tours are impressive. One of the few places in the world where you are guaranteed to see Zondas and Huayras up close.
Go-Karting, Santa Monica-Cella
If you haven’t had enough of racing yet, take the opportunity to jump behind the wheel and try your hand at go-karting. Perfect as a group activity to see who has what it takes to compete.
