Imola to be reinstated

UPDATE The plans have been in place for some time but the Italian government has now confirmed that it will be providing $13m for work at Autodromo Enzo & Dino Ferrari and that work will begin in October and be completed by March. The work will include the removal of the Variante Bassa chicane (just before the current pits). This will mean that there will be a long straight from the exit of Rivazza to the entrance of Tamburello. There will be a new pit and paddock complex on the first part of this straight, featuring 30 garages and a new race control and media centre. In this area there is more room between the racetrack and the River Santerno than where the current paddock is located and there is also room for a new bridge, which will greatly improve access to the track from the town.

The circuit has a contract to stage a race until 2009 but had to complete the necessary work in order to keep the event.

The Italian government says that the race will take place on April 29. Grandprix.com

09/01/06 (GMM) Members of an upcoming meeting are hoping that the presently axed San Marino grand prix at Imola will soon be back on track.
The 'Agenzia Giornalistica Italia' agency reported on Friday that, as a response to the FIA's exclusion of the race on next year's calendar, key figures will discuss how to rescue the relationship with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Italian government representatives, regional chiefs and mayor Massimo Marchignola are all slated to be at the meeting in Rome next Wednesday, the Imola town council confirmed in a statement.