Imola renews Grade 1 licence - ready for F1!

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Imola has renewed its FIA Grade 1 licence, moving the circuit closer to hosting an F1 event this season as the sport considers extending its calendar of European races.

The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, located near Bologna and which last staged a Grand Prix in 2006, is considered as a suitable option for Liberty Media as it seeks to build the second half of its 2020 calendar.

The tracks Grade 1 licence was due to expire next week, but its owners have renewed their certification with motorsport's governing body, paving the way for a possible return of F1 to Imola.

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"With the renewal of the license we are in the condition to host also a F1 Grand Prix, having all the standards requested by FIA," said Imola chairman Uberto Selvatico.

"We hope that such dream becomes true with the teamwork of the institutions and territory".

Given its close proximity to Monza, Imola would be ideally suited as the venue following the Italian Grand Prix on September 6.

However, the Ferrari-owned Mugello circuit has also been earmarked as a possible follow-up to Monza, although the venue, nestled in the Tuscan hills, has never staged an F1 event.

Interestingly, the AlphaTauri team is planning a filming day at Imola, currently scheduled for June 24, according to a report from Motorsport.com.

The Italian squad typically conducts its shakedown sessions at Misano, but the track's unavailability has incited it to book a day of running at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.