Officials at Imola say they are “in a position” to welcome Formula 1, should the circuit be required, after renewing its FIA Grade 1 license.
Formula 1 is moving towards holding further grands prix in Europe at new or former venues, prior to the final rounds in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, as it seeks to finalise a calendar featuring at least 15 events.
It is understood that the majority of non-European events are likely to be cancelled, with Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan formally called off on Friday.
The Ferrari-owned Mugello circuit, which has never held a Formula 1 race, is a front-runner to host a grand prix in mid-September, a week after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Another of Italy’s circuits, Imola, has now thrown its hat into the ring as a potential venue for Formula 1.
The venue confirmed on Friday that it has renewed the Grade 1 license required by the FIA to host Formula 1 events.
Its previous license was due to elapse next week.
Imola held Formula 1’s San Marino Grand Prix from 1981 through 2006.
The circuit has undergone minor tweaks since Formula 1’s most recent visit 14 years ago, with the modifications concentrated around the start/finish area and paddock infrastructure.
“With the renewal of the homologation, we are in a position to also host a Formula 1 grand prix,” said Imola chief Uberto Selvatico Estense.
“We hope that this dream can become reality with the teamwork of institutions and territory.”
