Imola revamp project making progress

The track, host of the San Marino Grand Prix, is set to be updated in a 10 million euro project supported by the Italian government. Only five of the ten million will come from the government, however, with the rest of the funds coming from Sagis, the group which operates the circuit. Five more million euros have been allocated by the government in order to improve the access roads to the circuit.

Tilke is expected to draw up the preliminary project by April, while the definitive one will be ready in June.

The plan could see the circuit becoming much faster thanks to a proposed straightening of its Variante Bassa chicane. A new, larger paddock space and improved facilities are also included in the project.

The Agip grandstand next to the Variante Bassa will be demolished to allow the construction of 30 new pits with hospitality on top. The old garages will be rebuilt to constitute the new media centre.

The plan has received the approval of Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It's an interesting project, which has already had the all clear by the FIA, and is part of the objectives stated by a Government's decree which allocates ten million euros for it," said Imola mayor Massimo Marchignoli.

"The works will have to end within six months, in time for the F1 Grand Prix next year."

Imola will host this year's San Marino Grand Prix on 24th April.