Five things you need to know about the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix

Formula One is racing in Europe for the first time this season, as the sport heads to Imola for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

To get you up to speed here's five things you need to know about the Emilia Romagna GP's return. 

One track, many names.

If you're new to Formula One, you might not be aware of the rather complex naming history of this iconic track. Although it is almost always referred to as Imola, the circuit's official title is actually 'Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari'.

But it's not just the track name that gets used interchangeably at Imola.

The Grand Prix's name has also changed since it first joined the championship calendar in 1980. Monza gave up the Italian GP name for the 1980 race, and Imola hosted the San Marino GP from 1981 until 2006. In 2020, the circuit returned to F1 under the new title Emilia Romagna GP, honoring the Italian region where the circuit is located.

What's the racing like?

For drivers, numerous factors make Imola one of the most enjoyable circuits on the calendar. The narrow 4.909km track is filled with medium to high-speed corners, providing a challenging test for both driver and car. The track's tightness and short length accentuate the high-speed sensation of a lap, with minimal run-off areas and numerous gradient changes. Its anti-clockwise orientation will also put significant strain on drivers fitness.

Not really designed for wheel to wheel racing, Imola features only one DRS detection point, making overtaking difficult. This reallly elevates the importance of Qualifying.

The prime overtaking spot is typically on the pit straight, following the flat-out final corner and leading into the flat-out first turn. Key corners to watch include Acque Minerali, Rivazza, and Piratella, which show off Imola’s classic feel.

One-lap vs race pace?

You'll likely hear a lot about Qualifying bias and whether teams will prioritise one-lap pace over race pace at Imola.

There are several ways to alternate between one-lap and race pace. Generally, for Qualifying, teams aim to set up the car to achieve the fastest possible lap time without worrying about tire degradation. In contrast, for races, teams need a more strategic setup that allows the car to maintain speed over a longer period.

This balance will be a crucial determining factor this weekend, as teams will be looking to find the optimal setup for strong results.

Trouble for RedBull?

Imola could see a major shakeup of the grid order with many teams bringing significant upgrades to the circuit.

McLaren introduced a major upgrade in Miami, and now Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Aston Martin are set to follow suit for Imola. Additionally, Oscar Piastri will be fitted with McLaren's entire update package for the first time.

These updates make the weekend absolutely crucial, with Imola's 'old-school' nature typically providing a more accurate picture of the pecking order. The circuit will offer a clear indication of whether McLaren and Ferrari can genuinely challenge Red Bull.

Thirty years on, gone but never forgotten.

This weekend Formula One will remember the tragic 1994 San Marino GP in honour of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, who both lost their lives at Imola. This race marks the 30th anniversary of that dark weekend, with numerous memorials and events planned to take place over the weekend.

Sebastian Vettel is set to drive Senna’s McLaren MP4/8, while Pierre Gasly will race with a yellow helmet adorned in Senna livery, dedicated to Ayrton's legacy.