Imola circuit boss Uberto Selvatico Estense is pushing F1 to add his venue to the sport's 2020 calendar of European events, insisting the race could cap off a "legendary national triple" in Italy.
Imola was buzzing with activity on Wednesday as Scuderia Alpha Tauri conducted a filming day in preparation for next week's season opening Austrian Grand Prix, with both Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly sharing driving duties.
And Selvatico Estense took the opportunity to state Imola's case as an event that should bookend F1's summer schedule in September, after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza and a prospective race at Mugello.
"Imola has F1 in its DNA and on this track the history of F1 has taken place, it must not be forgotten and we must be rightly proud of it," said the Formula Imola president.
"Looking ahead, and with an eye to the local economy in this serious moment of crisis, our goal is to bring back the top series to Imola’s circuit from this year."
The Imola boss believes his track has an aura and history that would add value to F1.
"The most logical and most suitable solution for F1 fans from all over the world would be to use circuits with great media impact, as Imola certainly is. [And] perhaps together with Monza and Mugello, for a legendary national triple.
"We started since April of this year working with great dedication and passion on this hypothesis, together with the local and regional institutions and the FOWC [F1 world championship]
"And we hope that the national sports authority will also support our candidature for this season."
©AlphaTauri
From a driver's point of view, Daniil Kvyat - who drove on Wednesday both the team's new-spec AT01 and a 2018 Toro Rosso SDTR13 - gave Imola a very positive review.
"Imola is a special track and I am very happy to get back in a F1 car, after this long pause, on this circuit," said the Russian.
"I’ve known it for some time, because I did one of my first tests here with a single-seater in 2010.
"The track is really fantastic to drive, with some nice fast corners. I am of the opinion that it should absolutely be on the F1 calendar."
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