By: Imola is dreaming of a return to the calendar. In recent weeks, we reported on the possibility of the Enzo e Dino Ferrari Autodrome hosting a Formula 1 championship race again in 2026. Initially, it was suggested that it could replace the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but another option has gained traction in recent hours: 29 November, the date currently assigned to the Qatar Grand Prix.
However, a decision will need to be made relatively quickly. The deadline is reportedly set for 15 September, during the break between the Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The deadline was indicated by Stefano Domenicali himself, given that the 2027 calendar must also be announced by then, with it still unresolved due to the situation in the Middle East.
Imola could therefore have the opportunity to reclaim the Grand Prix that was cancelled in 2023 because of the devastating flooding that hit Emilia-Romagna. For the Enzo e Dino Ferrari Autodrome, it would be a genuine ‘miracle’, made possible by a particular arrangement: the budget required to stage the event would be provided by Qatar.
The promotional campaign would be handled directly by the Qatari organiser, while operational management of the Grand Prix would be entrusted to ACI and Formula Imola, the company that runs the Romagna circuit.
As reported by Motorsport, revenue from sponsors and grandstand ticket sales would therefore go to the Middle Eastern promoter, while Imola would receive only reimbursement for the costs incurred in organising the event. It would be a similar arrangement to that used for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held in Malaysia this year.
At present, it should be stressed that there is still no definitive confirmation of Formula 1’s return to Imola. The signs, however, are becoming increasingly tangible: teams and drivers have reportedly already begun booking hotels in the areas surrounding the Autodrome ahead of a possible late-November event.
There remains one far from insignificant unknown: the weather. At the end of November, the main issue would not necessarily be the cold or rain, but rather fog. In the event of poor visibility, the helicopters used to ensure safety during track activity would be unable to take off, effectively making it impossible to run the sessions.
Imola is therefore waiting in the wings, with a decision potentially arriving in the coming weeks that could finally bring the Circus back to the historic Emilia circuit. Updates will follow.
