Highlights of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, from drama to first wins

The tragic accidents of 1994

The weekend of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix remains one of the most tragic in the history of Formula 1. On April 30, during the qualifications, Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger lost his life after hitting a wall at the Villeneuve corner, due to a failure of his front wing. This tragic accident was a shock for the world of F1, marking the first death of a driver during a Grand Prix since 1982.

The next day, May 1st, the race started under a heavy atmosphere. On the seventh lap, Ayrton Senna, three-time world champion and one of the most respected drivers of all time, had a fatal accident at the Tamburello corner. His Williams car hit a concrete wall at high speed. Senna was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries. These incidents led to a complete reassessment of safety standards in Formula 1, resulting in significant changes in car and track design to improve driver protection.

From the first victories to the San Marino Grand Prix

Italian driver of the Lotus team, **Elio de Angelis** won his first Formula 1 race at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1985. This victory was particularly significant as it occurred at a time when Lotus was in fierce competition with dominant teams like Ferrari and McLaren.

German driver from the Williams team, Heinz-Harald Frentzen also won his first victory in F1 at the Imola circuit, during the San Marino Grand Prix in 1997. This was also the case for Italian Williams driver Ricardo Patrese, who won the San Marino Grand Prix in 1990.

The memorable victories of Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher is arguably the most successful driver in the history of the Imola circuit. Between 1994 and 2006, he won the San Marino Grand Prix seven times, an unmatched record. His victories at Imola have often been a reflection of his technical and strategic dominance on the track. For example, in 1994, Schumacher secured an emotional victory shortly after the tragic events involving Senna, a win that marked the beginning of his legendary career. In 2006, his final victory at Imola demonstrated his ability to handle pressure and race strategies, clinching the win after an intense battle with Fernando Alonso, the reigning world champion​​.

The return of Fernando Alonso in 2005

The 2005 edition of the San Marino Grand Prix was marked by an epic battle between Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher. Alonso, then driving for Renault, managed to withstand Schumacher’s relentless pressure during the final laps of the race. Alonso’s control of the situation, combined with his ability to manage tire degradation and maintain a fast pace, allowed him to achieve one of the most memorable victories of his career. This race was a turning point in the 2005 season, highlighting Alonso’s rise as a future world champion.

Reappearance in 2020

After a 14-year absence, the Imola circuit made a triumphant return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2020 under the name of Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. This reintroduction was a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the regular race calendar. Lewis Hamilton won this race, marking a new chapter in the circuit’s history and sharing a “shoey” on the podium with Daniel Ricciardo, then a driver at Renault and finishing third behind Valtteri Bottas. This comeback was welcomed by fans and drivers, highlighting the importance and unique character of the “old school” and historic circuit in the world of F1. The success of this edition strengthened the circuit’s appeal and confirmed its place in the calendar for the upcoming seasons.

Strategies and technical events

Imola circuit has often been the scene of technical dramas and bold strategies. In 1982, Didier Pironi won the Grand Prix after an intense strategic battle, marking a memorable victory for Ferrari. In 1999, Michael Schumacher dominated the race despite difficult conditions and thanks to crucial tire choices, demonstrating his ability to manage the technical and strategic aspects of the race. These events highlight the importance of strategy and technical preparation on a demanding circuit like Imola, where even the slightest mistake can be costly.

Meet on Friday at 1:30 pm to follow the first Free Practice session of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. And for the rest of the sessions, check the weekend’s schedule and TV program.