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bologna italy imola maranello autodromo enzo e dino ferrari travel guide with hotels near the track + tickets - grand prix cities


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. bologna italy imola maranello autodromo enzo e dino ferrari grand prix travel guide with hotels near the track + tickets .it - italie

Where we headed this time?

bologna italy imola autodromo enzo e dino ferrari

Venue Physical Address: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferarri, Via Fratelli Rosselli 2, 40026 Imola, Italia.
> Imola Map (with hotels)


Hotels Accommodations nearby Imola, Bologna, Maranello and Rimini?

For Hotels / Motels and resort Accommodations near Imola Circuit Italy see:

Hotels near imola Circuit Italy (Autodromo Imola Enzo e Dino Ferrari)


> Distance from:
> Bologna Italy Hotels - About 20MIs/33KMs
> Ravenna Italy Hotels about 20KM/ 15 miles. (see map)
> Maranello Italy Hotels near the famous Ferrari Factory, Museum and their Fiorano Test Track. Worth a visit!
See also: Rimini Italy Hotels
Also see my guide to Misano Adriatico World Circuit
> Listing all cities : Italy Hotels


> Is there camping at Imola Circuit?

Yep. You can camp right beside the track. In the parking areas.


> What's the nearest major airport?

(BLQ) (BLQ) Guglielmo Marconi Bologna :
(about 20 miles from the track)
Find Hotels near Bologna Marconi Airport (BLQ)

Find BLQ G Marconi Aeroporto Website zrt
Find more Hotels near Airports (international)

Shop for the cheapest airfare to BLQ Airport for your trip to Bologna, Imola Circuit or Maranello with my online travel store or get your flight tickets from the Airline online and save. See my listing of Airlines of the World Links.


> Where's the Map of Imola Italy?

> Check out this Imola satellite and road map showing local hotels. for sattelite images click "hybrid" on expanded map. For maps of Maranello, Bologna, Rimini and more click "hotels" links above for each individual city.


Got a trackmap of Imola?

Here's a Imola trackmap and virtual tour from the official website: http://www.autodromoimola.com/


.

> Got Bologna Imola weather and radar?

Bologna Italy Weather Forecast

> What else is there to do in the Imola Area?

> Speed related stuff we got to check out nearby:
> Find more European circuits


Places of Worship Throw a rock you'll find a church in Italy


> Liquor Laws: The legal drinking age in Italy is 18.

>Local Currency: You can buy currency (EuroDollars) via my online store your bank at home to save on high tourist conversion fees. Draw local money from ATMs.

> TIPPING:

> ATM Locator: Try VISA.com - they used to have a nice one

See also my sometimes updated page of USD / EUR Euro Dollar Foreign Exchange Rate page and my page of Currencies of the world

> Time Zone: CET (Central European Time) GMT + 1


Things of interest - In the Bologna Imola Area Take time to see

> > In Imola:
> Ayrton Senna Memorial at the Tamburello Corner area of the Imola Circuit
In Bologna:
> Basilica di San Petronio-Duomo & San Sefono and Seven churches
Teatro Comunale/Scala
WORLD'S Oldest University Library
> The Ferrari merchandise store at Bologna Airport (the first of it's kind in an airport). Part of the blessed commercialization of the timeless cavalino brand.
In Maranello:
> Galleria Ferrari / Museum (careful about going on Monday, it may be closed call Telephone: +39 (0)536 943204
> Fiorano Test Track, just a block up the road. Maybe you'll be lucky and catch some testing, which you can watch with other fans through the gates.
> The Ferrari Store built accross the road from the Galleria, in April 2002.
> Gilles Villeneuve Memorial A little Further:
> Milano & Monza circuit
> Italian Calcio / Football Soccer Season runs in September. Check local team schedules. You really must see an Italian Soccer match. This is where the passion really flares!
> Bologna FC 1909 Football/Soccer find Hotels near Euro Football Statiums
For more stuff to do (there's lots) see the rest of this page.

A FEW NOTES ABOUT IMOLA CIRCUIT ENZO E DINO FERRARI

Something strange has happened to the circuit Enzo & Dino Ferrari over the years. What used to be "Ferrari's home race" and a spectacle of Italian passion for the red vehicles, suddenly became unfashionable as attendances have dropped from 180,000 in 2000 to 84,000 in 2004. Perhaps its total shame for the "winning ways" of the home team in 2002, perhaps it's the ridiculous prices charged for admission to a race you can't see much of and probably can guess the outcome of. Not sure. But perhaps that's why f1 opted only to have one italian circuit on its roster for 2007, that being Autodromo Nazionale di Italia a Monza and why the SBK calendar holds its Gran Premio di San Marino at Misano Adriatico Circuit
Fact is that nearby Bologna (20MI/33KMs), home of Europe's premier motorshow, and the Ducati factory there, has ensured that passion is still displayed for racing at the famous circuit, albeit now for World Superbikes, and the Italian heroes and vehicles which have made their mark on the positively competitive motorsport.
If you want to experience Italian racing passion at its best, point the Lear Jet towards Bologna/Imola in September for a real blast! And park it there till December for Bologna Motorshow, one of the coolest in the world (next to Detroit's NAIAS).

A TON OF INFORMATION THAT MAY BE HANDY IF YOU'RE VISITING THE BOLOGNA MOTORSHOW OR IMOLA CIRCUIT oR THE MARANELLO FERRARI

Imola / Bologna / Maranello Introduction
Bologna's famous covered sidewalks (porticoes, pic) seem to stretch for miles, revealing history, culinary treats, shopping opportunities, and providing safe passage from the rain and snow of the winter motor show week. These 'skirts' open out to the romantic piazza maggiore with it's Duomo and ancient library building, and continue onwards to the theatre district, where the Teatro Comunale/Scala appears and the world opens up to squares and churches and still more stores, cafes and restaurants. Check out this amazing virtual tour created by the city of Bologna tourism authority.

mclaren race car at the 2000 bologna motor show In December every year, Bologna is home to a phenomenal Bologna Salone Internazionale dell'automobile - Bologna Motor Show, which for number of exhibits lags behind its Detroit counterpart, but outstips it totally because of the events it can stage on the several competition areas in and around the exhibit site. Also, try to visit the Ducati Factory/Museum.

Just outside of Bologna (33KM/20MIs SE) is a grandprixcity™ in its own right, Imola , and its famous Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, where several international motorsports events are held, including the San Marino Grand Prix. And only 2 hours drive away is one of the world's premier autosport tourist destinations, Maranello, with its Galleria Ferrari™ Museum (pics).

Other wonderful Italian cities such as Florence, Venice (pic left), Milano (the main city near the Monza circuit, and the clothes shopping capital of the world) and my personal all time favorite place, Verona, are all within a comfortable drive/train journey.

Whether it's your first or hundredth motorsport journey to italy, you're guaranteed to always find automotive inspiration. While you're at the Imola circuit's Official Website http://www.autodromoimola.com/, take a minute to do a virtual lap!


Enjoy Imola Locale
As I say above Bologna is the city of skirted walkways . There is, like almost all of the beautiful Italian cities only an hour or two in most directions (Verona, Florence, Milano, etc) an abundance of art and architecture to gaze at thoughtfully, and any number of supurb restaurants, bustling shopping streets, points of interest, including the [Teatro Comunale/Scala] for opera fans where every great composer and singer in history has sung.
As for Imola:, for a little town, sometimes not even mentioned on maps of Northern Italy, it has much to offer visitors during its race weekend. So much so that you might consider never even venturing into Bologna, which is only a short train ride (33KMs/20MIs) away. The Santerno River runs beside it feeding the Mineral Water Park, after which is named the famous Aqua Minerale Curve at the Autodromo, and providing a lovely area to base yourself at for the adventures suggested on this page For race fans, the Ferrari and Minardi factories are nearby. The town also has a rich history, a fine tradition of wine making and culinary pleasure, gorgeous surroundings perfect for walking, horseriding, day trips or golfing, and a fine appreciation of culture. I'll work at adding to this page as dates and venues for the 2003 race are finalized. If you're lucky enough to stay in Imola over the race weekend, you'll never tire of things to do when the racing action pauses! And all within 15 minutes walk of the track's main gates.
NOTE: MOST OF THE FOLLOWING REFERS TO IMOLA:

Eat
The big food cities in this region surrounded by rolling vineyard hills for miles around are Parma and Bologna. With such a fine line up it's little wonder the Emilia Romagna region is considered the culinary center of Italian food and wine. My usual tip is to spend the evening of your arrival in a city scouting the main city center of a new place and seek out some restaurant options for the next few days. If in Imola for the races, which occur respectively in early spring and early fall, it's often nice enough to plan a night out, or even a dinner under the stars! (however don't do it in the main square unless you plan to pay a fortune! Or if you really want a treat and are prepared to travel a little you might venture out to Maranello (Ferrari ™ country) and eat at the world famous "Cavallino" Restaurant ™: Via Abetone Inferiore, 1 Tel. 0536/941160 - Fax. 0536/942324 . Note: you'll need to book. & it is closed on Sundays.

In Italy, note that places with white tablecloths, will add a "cover charge", which was incidently invented in Italy. The 'coperta' (trans: covering) has nothing to do with a tip (which is not obligatory in Italy, despite what the waiter tells you or suggests with a condescending sneer!). Sometimes it can be as much at 15USD and a glass of warm Coke can cost the same. So be prepared. In many cases, the food will be wonderful, the wine will be superb, and the bill will be astronomical!

Or take my tip and take a side street to a little "tratoria" style "family run" place. That's a crowded side street, where the locals do their shopping/eating... not a dark alley for goodness sake, and certainly take great care (see do/don't in the 'stuff' section). The food you'll find, usually made by one of the family that owns (has owned/will own) the place for centuries, will be served with love and flavor and will leave you with some change that you might gladly use to leave a happy tip because of the wonderful experience you had! Rule of thumb in Italy is: only sit down and look forward to being well fed at a good price if the clientele is Italian. (Works perfectly for Chinese food at home too).

While in Bologna you might be tempted to buy a lovely Mortadella (the forefather of what we now know as Bologne, and much much nicer) in one of the lovely salumi stores around the tourist zone. Don't. Keep walking. Eventually you'll find the same cut in a local's delicatessen/supermarket (people, not just tourists, live in Bologna) for half the price.

For more info about booking restaurants in this amazing culinary part of the world contact: "Restaurants of Imola's Area", a local restaurateurs association: Telephone: +39 (0) 542 35850. They are also the people to contact if you really think you've been ripped off.

Music:
Around the summer races there is always entertainment, whether it be live music on temporary stages in the piazza's around town, in the historic main theatre, or at the track . But Imola is a place of music all year long. At other times of the year it hosts an international jazz & blues festival, a world music festival, concerts in it's historic concert hall,. The town also has 2 world renouned music schools, has its own 180 year old municipal band, is home to the most detailed piano museum in the world, the" Scala Collection". So whatever your taste there'll be something to sing about in Imola! I'll post here information as the 2003 event takes shape and venues and performances come to light. Of course if you find out before I do, let me know...

Sports:
Imola is surrounded by the rolling vineyards and orchards of the Emilia Romagna region of italy. Trecking, jogging, horse riding, golf, and daytrips around the region, are just some of the offerings for this early northern hemisphere spring location. And if you'd rather slow down than speed up, there are famous spas (European health resorts) in and around Imola. Walking is a popular pastime with much to see, including the amazing geological formation provided by the outcrop of the Great Chalk Vein (Vena del Gesso) For more info on any of these call Telephone: +39 (0) 542 602286

Here are some examples:

> Parco delle Acque Minerali - is a botanical park in Imola based around a mineral spring.Parco Tozzoni a 15-hectare English park on the outskirts of town established at the end of the 19th century.
> A new 18-hole golf course - "Le Fonti" located by the Castel de San Pietro Terme. Telephone:+39 051 6951958 (the castel also offers a spa)
> Hippocampus, centre for horse training and tourist horse riding, is in the nearby town of Gallo Bolognese. Info: +39 051 371505
> Cycling tours from Imola to Tuscany - bikes can be rented. Telephone: +39 (0) 542 25413 See the cycling tour map "Villaggio della Salute Più"
> In Monterenzio, 15 kms from Imola, is a farm-holiday featuring a beauty salon as well as courses/conferences on therapeutic properties of herbs and natural remedies. Telephone: +39 (0) 51 929791

Bologna, a large urban center on the other hand, offers much more in the way of indoor activities and exercise centers for the sports minded but also boasts a world class soccer/football team, BOLOGNA FC 1909, who's season begins in September, just as the MotoGP races begin. see http://le.cs.unibo.it/~lanzarin/ more details and some amazing pictures of fans by fans. Not only things with motors inspire the locals of this region.

Shopping
Retail stores are often closed on Mondays, except for touristy ones, which you ought to avoid. A 'Tabac' is like a historic tiny convenience store, for everything from stamps (francobollo) to phone cards, to parking fee slips. You'll find at least 3 in the Imola town center. Shopping is like eating in Italy. The locals have their own areas away from the craziness of the tourism centers. If the sign in English says "Turn right here for good shopping,", turn left... and you might find, hidden not too far below the surface some remarkable bargains on some beautiful items. The same applies if you venture into Bologna looking for some of the famous smallgoods there. A pound of mortadella or Parmigianno Regianno cheese will cost you a fortune on the main strip, follow the skirting along the grand boulevard and duck into one of the side streets before you get to the Opera House, you'll find a local delicatesen that will be glad to see you, and will get you something special just for taking the time to come visit! And if you try real hard to use some of the Italian you'll know you'll make some nice friends. And enjoy tasting some of the local specialties too. This type of wander and learn and laught experience is what I really love Italy (and especially nearby beautiful Verona) for.

If you're clothes shopping, look about you'll see a lot of great style stuff but really, hold out and see if you can make it to nearby Milano (a little closer to the Monza circuit), where you can go crazy on the sales on sales of clothing in that, the fashion capital of the world!

Cinema
All films in Italy, (unless noted otherwise and usually only at specialist cinemas) are overdubbed in Italian.
In Imola there are 3 cinemas: Cristallo, Centrale and Modernissimo. All of them are in the centre and they only show films with Italian translation. In Faenza, 15KMs/10MIs from Imola, there is also a big cinema center with several screens.
Bologna is host to the world famous Cineteca di Bologna, where you're bound to find a good (understatement) film.
Culture
Art and culture abound in Imola. Each museum is an art gallery, each church is a museum and each historical site is a source of inspiration and excitement for those looking for quiet time away from the track. In a town that hosts modern art exhibitions, international music and short film festivals, you couldn't expect much less. Picture shows Imola's central piazza. Oh, the coffee there! If you're shopping for a memento for mom, check out the locally made, world-famous ceramic. Here are a few highlights:
> Pinacoteca: almost 100 works of art exhibited from 15th C frescoes to 20thC paintings, Hrs: Sat 10am-1pm/3.30pm-6.30pm, Sun 3.30pm-7.30pm (summer) Telephone: +39 (0) 542 34714 > Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art: -P.le Duomo, 1. Inside the del Palazzo Vescovile, preserves important paintings from the Bolognese school, can be visited only by appointment. Info: Telephone: +39 (0) 542 24362
> Scarabelli Museum: - Via Verdi,7. Museum of archaeological findings in the area. Municipal Picture Gallery - via G. Sacchi, 4, Sat. and Sun. 15-18 (from 16th Sept. to 30th April) Admission: 3EUR
> Palazzo Tozzoni Art Collections - via Garibaldi, 18 Telephone: +39 (0) 542/602609 Sat. 9-12 and 14.45-18.45, Sun 14.45-18.45 (from 16th Sept. to 30th April) - other days on request. Admission: 3EUR
> Teatro "Ebe Stignani" - For lovers of opera, this beautiful 5 tier theatre from the 18th C. > Oh, and much, much more!
History
Appearing as it does at the cross roads of history, this grandprixcity is one of the finest for admiring architecture. Visit any one of the locations in the history section above or simply walk the street and you shall see:

Imola was conquered by the Byzantines, the Longobards and the Franks. In medieval times it was fought over by the Guelphs and Ghibellines. History is everywhere.
> Dozza: A medieval village surrounded by a fortress.
> Malvezzi Campeggi Castle: Built in the 13th C and restored in the 16th by artists such as Michaelangelo, "the Rocca" overlooks Imola. Features all original furniture, a museum of agriculture and the historic wine cellar of the region. Amazing. Hrs: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-12am/3pm-6pm (summer); Telephone: +39 (0) 542 678089
> Ruins: Castel San Pietro Terme and The CasseroChurches Church of Our Lady of Annunciation (14th century), the Church and Convent of the Capuchin Friars (12thC), and the Church of St. Lawrence (10thC). (and that's just a start) Telephone: +39 (0) 51 6951379
> Museum of the Resistance and the 20th-century via dei Mille, 26 Telephone: +39 (0) 542 24422 Tues., Thurs., and Sat. 0930-1200 and 1500-1800. other days on request. Admission Free
> The Sforzesca Fortress Collection of Arms and Ceramics p.zza Giovanni dalle Bande Nere Sat. 9-12 and 14.30-18.30, Sun. 14.30-18.30 (from 16 Sept. to 30 April) Admission: 3EUR
> In town: The town museum hosts a permanent exhibition of archaeological findings & medieval pottery. Near by a lute-maker's working-place is thoroughly preserved as is a 19th C hospital pharmacy. Info Telephone: +39 (0) 51 6979249
> Also the famous Roman roads of Via Emilia dating 187B.C and a public library opened in 1747, which, in combination with the pharmacy mentioned above, is quite an experience. (If you're into historic libraries you'll find another great example on the main Piazza in Bologna, with a glass floor that lets you look down at the archeological digs undertaken underneath.)

Architecture
The Pallazo Communale in Bologna is a fortress where a huge museum is located. In 2001, I had the pleasure of spending a lovely cold December afternoon , only a few days after I came across the idea for www.grandprixcities.com in Verona, looking through an awesome collection of weapons and armour in the Pallazo, which is also the site of many exhibitions.

Worship
If you're Roman Catholic, you're in luck. There's a church on about every corner and probably between each corner in both Bologna and in the beautiful town of Imola.

Casinos?
There is no casino in Imola at the moment. I don't know if there is one in bologna. I expect so. Let me know if you know..


Do/Don't in Bologna Italy

> Do eat and shop (including for gifts) amongst locals, not tourists. You'll save a bundle, truly taste the city, and meet some wonderful people who'll be glad you went a little out of your way. But hold off your clothes buying for Milano!
> Don't presume people speak English. Ask nicely first if they do. There is nothing more grating than a person who presumes their language is 'universal'. Trading a common courtesy for some help is no big ask. Here's some Italian phrase books/ mp3s /
> When you're done eating lay knife and fork parallel in the middle of your plate.
> If you're invited to an Italian person's house, take a small gift. Flowers (not chrysanthemums, which are considered funeral flowers) or wine are perfect choices.
> Don't discuss or argue politics or religion (or racing) with an Italian you've just met. These are considered very personal matters and best discussed once a strong relationship is cultivated.
> That being said, you’ll find plenty of people to talk to, in English and Eng-talian, who’ll try very hard to respond. You'll find the blessing is that Italians will admit when they have reached the end of their English skills. This charm avoids many problems.
> Italian people, I’ve found, are happy to give directions too, often forming "directions committees for lost tourists," however, the advice "destra, destra, destra, e doppo sinistra" (trans: right, right, right and then left) can lead you mysteriously back to where you started in Italy, where roads have a way of being curiously crooked. Upon your return, the same committee of guides will hold an election, and give you an entire new set of directions, that will mysteriously...(etc)
> Hand gestures often say more than words in Italy and, as such, it’s a good idea to pick up a couple of them to add to your conversational arsenal.
> Beware the 'show your I.D., I'm a cop', scam. On the heels of the 9/11 tragedy, a new breed of 'low life' began targeting foreign travelers (backpackers mostly). To add to the 'police drama', a car pulls up abruptly, etc... A good idea is to carry only a photocopy of your documents while away from your lodgings. Real italian policemen will be much less dramatic and probably be wearing their distintive white leather highlighted uniform. They'll allow you to summon strangers to the scene to oversee the 'search and seizure'. Scream alot to attract attention.
> BEWARE forged event tickets online. Buy from official sources only.
> Don't expect to do anything in Italy on a monday. Many stores and businesses are closed.
> BE SENSIBLE, stay amongst people, hold tight to your wallet/purse, & HAVE FUN!


IMOLA MOTORSPORT TRAVEL NEWS

Unfortunately Imola Circuit is not slated for any major international motorsport events in 2009. Speriamo per 2010!
find motorsport travel news and see my new Sports Travel Blog which includes an article about Hotels near Misano Adriatico World Circuit Italy amd 2009 MotoGP Dates and more.




>>> FIND WORLD INTERNATIONAL MOTORSPORT DATES SCHEDULES

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> Imola Italy Hotels (beware sticker shock ahead!)
> Maranello Italy Hotels near the famous Ferrari Factory, Museum and their Fiorano Test Track
> Bologna Italy Hotels which is a good place to eat
Rimini Hotel a little closer to Misano but handy for a trip to imola. And where very many of the F1 teams stay, by the beach

> Hotels near Football Stadiums Europe including Milan Stadium Stadio Giuseppe Meazza San Siro

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local related pictures

cvetko ostroznik with f1 ferrari
One of the sweetest moments in my 25+ years of motorsport travel! see my guide to Monza Milano. PS. It is tight in there!


For a complete list of u.s. & international travel guides offered at grand prix cities - including canadian and US motorsports, see my grand prix cities motor sports travel guides list



An American in Imola
Race Fan Travel Report - San Marino Formula One Grand Prix 2004 - By Rossana Seitter, USA.

We looked on the web for information about the race in Imola and immediately found grand prix cities.com where we were rewarded with lots of hints and advice. While a bit hesitant to purchase our tickets over the Internet from an Italian ticket broker, we are pleased to report that the process was easy, secure, and reliable. We used a company that was linked from the ticket-ordering page of the official Imola circuit webite site (see link above) and we received our tickets well before we left for Italy.

We stayed in a Rimini Hotel, about an hour by train from Imola, the night before the race. Rimini has an abundance of hotels in every price category so it’s an easy place to stay for the race. We met some race fans who stayed closer to the circuit but regretted it because of the traffic and lack of accommodations, restaurants and bars. Rimini has it all.

When we arrived in Rimini, we purchased roundtrip train tickets to Imola and then left to explore the Adriatic. That night, a most intense wind and rainstorm popped up out of nowhere giving us trepidation about the weather for the big event the next day.

On race day, the skies cleared and we headed off on a remarkably easy train ride to Imola. I highly recommend traveling to the race by train. It costs about $12.00 USD roundtrip and is worth every penny. Don’t bother buying First Class tickets; on race day, it’s a free-for-all and seats don’t matter. You can buy your tickets in advance over the Web (www.trenitalia.it) but the method is rather laborious and you need to know a little Italian. If you do use the Web, make sure to convert your ticket confirmation to usable tickets at your departing train station by using the self-service kiosk. (You can convert your tickets at any station that has a kiosk.) All in all it’s easier to just buy your tickets the day before the race, and by doing so, you’ll avoid the lines on race morning. Don’t forget to stamp your ticket in the station before you board the train or you may get a fine. The train ride to the race is very sedate and peaceful. After the race, when everyone is trying to get on the same train at the same time, expect to be pushed and shoved onto the car and be prepared to stand the entire trip. Still, it beats sitting in traffic!

Walking from the train station to the Autodrome (about a mile), we couldn’t help but notice that all the shops and most of the restaurants were closed. This sort of defiance of capitalism and consumerism would never occur in the U.S. Instead, every store along the route would be open and eager to get a piece of the souvenir dollar. In fact, we were surprised at how little souvenir selling was done by any team but Ferrari. (At a NASCAR race, for instance, even a driver who races intermittently has a large selection of merchandise for sale.) In our quest to find a Lucky Strike hat, we searched every single souvenir booth around the circuit and came up empty. Now, to be fair, we understand that we were in “Ferrari territory” but still…not one Lucky Strike hat?

We gave up on our shopping quest and decided to enjoy some food and drinks. We had a couple of beers and a sausage sandwich and just took in the show. This was our first live F-1 race, having watched it only on television. The impression that we came with from the television coverage was that F-1 is “ritzy” and attended by wealthy folks (and when we paid nearly $300 per ticket we were sure that this was true!) We expected to see everyone from runway models to Princess Caroline wandering around with flutes of champagne. We couldn’t have been more wrong. The crowd was just like any race crowd in the United States: A motley assortment of fans there to enjoy a good race.

With only a half hour to go, we went to the stands. It was a sea of Ferrari red. I crawled over the crowd and squeezed into my seat. As I strained to keep my knees from smashing into the man in front of me and contorted my body to maximize space, I breathed a sigh of relief that F-1 races are so short. But once the race began, my discomfort was replaced with excitement. Jenson Button started from the pole and held off Michael Schumacher until Button pitted on lap nine. The crowd went wild when Schumi took the lead. Some added excitement came when Nick Heidfeld spun out in the gravel right in front of our seats but the race was all but over with Schumacher in front. In the end, Schumi won, the Ferrari flags waved proudly, and we walked back to the train station feeling happy to have seen an F-1 race in Italy.

English-only speakers should not be concerned about enjoying an F-1 race in Italy. We speak only a little Italiano and got around just fine. Most Italians speak some English and, if you are polite, are eager to help. But, if you try to learn some basic Italian before you leave and you will be well rewarded. And please ask first, before launching off in English, whether or not the person you are talking to speaks English (“Parla inglese?).

The race is broadcast over the loudspeakers in both Italian and English so you will be able to keep up with the race action. Try to get a seat with a view of the big screen television if you want to see what’s happening along other parts of the circuit. A word of warning to female fans: The toilet situation at Imola is dire as there are very dirty portable toilets only. If you are desperate, there is a bar/restaurant near the Ayrton Senna Memorial that has indoor toilets for 2 Euros.


Thanks for the pics & Report: Rossana Seiter


IMOLA F1 GRAND PRIX PIX 2004
italian ferrari racing fans
The fans are at the piste!
Clown wanders the streets in pretty Imola
Who's this clown?
toyota f1 display car at Imola
Toyota F1 Display car in the F1 village
view from Aqua Minerali Tribua D
Views from Aqua Minerali Tribuna D - Looking Right
Aqua Minerali Imola Autrodomo
Looking Left
Jordan F1 car Beached Pantano loses it in

Pantano Hits the showers!
Time to hit the showers, Mr. Pantano.
Imola Tribuna Grandstand!
The oposite grandstand.
Michael Schumacher in Italy!
The Tifosi cheer their fearless winner! Michael Schumacher takes the many colored flags after he took the checkered one for Ferrari.

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major sport city guides / tickets

city guide + accommodations near stadiums and concert / sports arenas
hotels near big ticket venues feature sports city guides page and more more Best Hotels and Tickets Guides



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