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Imola secures slot on F1 calendar until 2025

Formula 1 has announced that The Made in Italy Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari International Circuit in Imola will remain on the sport's calendar until 2025.

The classic track near Bologna made a welcome return to F1's schedule in 2020 after a 14-year hiatus, thanks to the Covid-disrupted season that required Formula One Management to seek out new replacement venues.

But F1 returned to Imola last year and will race in Emilia-Romagna next month, and until 2025.

"I am delighted that we will be continuing our excellent partnership with Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix until 2025," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

"The circuit is iconic and has been part of the history of our sport and they have done an incredible job of hosting two races during the pandemic.

"It is a proud moment for our Italian fans to host two races and for all our fans around the world to see this fantastic circuit on the calendar for the future."

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Imola has retained its Grand Prix thanks to a concerted effort involving the Automobile Club of Italy and Italy's ministries of Economy, Finance, Foreign Affairs and the city of Imola.

"Imola, its great history and the strong tie of its territory to the world of engines deserved this recognition," commented ACI president Angelo Sticchi Damiani.

"This is not only a great success for sport in Italy but also a great enrichment for the top international motorsport series that has confirmed in its calendar for several years one of the most difficult races, but also the greatest, and the one that's mostly loved by both drivers and teams.

"Of course, the long negotiations carried out by the Automobile Club of Italy managed to achieve the desired goal thanks to the important support received from various local authorities.

"Among all, I would like to underline the enthusiastic work of the Emilia Romagna Region and its President Stefano Bonaccini."

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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.