Imola boss lobbies F1 for inclusion on 2020 calendar in Italian triple-header

The Imola circuit, which has not hosted a Grand Prix since 2006, first entered the fray as a possible replacement for the Chinese Grand Prix back in February, and earlier this month had its Grade 1 license that is required to host an F1 event renewed.

On the day that F1 cars returned to action around the Imola track, with Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat conducting a filming run and test for Alpha Tauri, Formula Imola president Uberto Selvatico Estense has made clear that his desire for a race remains strong.

As F1 seeks to bulk out its calendar beyond the eight European races confirmed so far, a second Italian race after Monza in September has long been mooted.

But with Mugello looking increasingly likely to get the nod to hold a second Italian event, despite its MotoGP round being cancelled, Selvatico Estense still sees a chance for his circuit.

"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," he said.

"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 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."

Alpha Tauri ran two cars at Imola: its current AT01, plus a 2018 STR13. Kvyat remarked after the test that the track would be ideal for an F1 race.

"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."