Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix: Key Figures
Absent from the calendar since 2006, Imola makes its grand return to the calendar this year like many other classic circuits. Let's take a look at some important figures from this legendary Italian track.
1’19’752: It is the fastest lap ever recorded on the Imola circuit. Jenson Button had the honor of setting it behind the wheel of his BAR Honda in 2004. It was also the first pole position for the 2009 world champion. Unfortunately, the Briton did not manage to beat Michael Schumacher for the victory.
7: With his 7 victories at Imola (1994, 1999, 2000, 2002-2004, 2006), Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver on the Italian track. It was on this circuit that he won the hearts of the tifosi by securing pole position for Ferrari in 1996 during his first season with the red team and managing to finish 2nd despite a completely destroyed front suspension.
8: Ayrton Senna is the driver with the most pole positions at Imola. The Brazilian remained unbeaten in this exercise for 7 years between 1985 and 1991. His 8th and last pole took place in 1994 with Williams. The day after his pole, May 1, 1994, is sadly known by Formula 1 fans for the tragic death of the triple world champion, as one of the greatest legends of the sport passed away, but his memory and achievements have forever marked F1.
Having hosted Formula 1 for 27 seasons, Imola has had the opportunity to see many drivers on the podium, such as Gerhard Berger and Ralf Schumacher. However, the only driver from the 2020 grid to have achieved this is Kimi Räikkönen in 2003. The Finnish driver also managed to secure pole position in 2005 under the rain. His experience could be a significant asset for Sunday’s race, as he is the only one to have raced there at the wheel of a Formula 1 car.
**1980:** This was the first year a Formula 1 race took place on the Imola circuit. It was then the Italian Grand Prix before hosting the San Marino Grand Prix for the next 26 editions. It was there that Nelson Piquet achieved his 3rd victory in Formula 1.
2006: The year a Grand Prix was held at the Imola circuit. It was the San Marino Grand Prix, won by Michael Schumacher driving his Ferrari. Fernando Alonso for Renault and Juan Pablo Montoya in the McLaren accompanied him on this podium.
