Welcome to the Imola F1 24 Track Guide!
Discover how to master the historic Imola circuit, officially known as the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of each sector, corner-by-corner tips, previous pole lap benchmarks, and essential car setup advice. Famous for its flowing layout, technical chicanes, and rich history, Imola is one of the most rewarding and challenging circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or new to the sport, this guide will help you tackle the legendary Emilia Romagna Grand Prix circuit.
Circuit Overview
- Location: Imola, Italy
- Length: 4.909 km (3.050 miles)
- Corners: 19
- DRS Zones: 1
- Layout: A fast, flowing track with technical chicanes and undulating elevation changes.
- Surface: Smooth asphalt with high grip levels.
- Unique Feature: Imola runs in an anti-clockwise direction, making it physically demanding for drivers.
Sector 1: (Turns 1-6)
- Turn 1:
The lap begins with the approach to Variante Tamburello. You’ll hit the brakes hard after the main straight while shifting down quickly. Line up for the left-hander but avoid braking too late, as it can throw off the balance through the entire chicane. - Turn 2 (Tamburello Entry):
Clip the apex and stay tight, but don’t overcommit to the inside, as it compromises your line into Turn 3. Use the curbs lightly to keep the car stable. - Turn 3-4:
Stay balanced through this right-hand kink, using the full width of the track to carry maximum speed. Avoid oversteer when transitioning to Turn 4. - Turn 5-6 (Villeneuve):
Enter with confidence but remain smooth through this high-speed left-right chicane. Clip the inside apex of Turn 5 lightly, then be ready to attack Turn 6 with a steady throttle to maximize the exit speed, a flat-out stretch where you can build momentum before entering Tosa. Maintain precision and avoid drifting wide, as track limits can penalize aggression.
Sector 2: (Turns 7-13)
- Turn 7 (Tosa Entry):
Brake hard downhill into the tight left hairpin. Use a late apex here to gain better traction for the uphill climb. - Turn 8 (Tosa Exit):
Patience on the throttle is key to avoid wheelspin as you climb uphill. A clean exit makes all the difference for the straight leading to Piratella. - Turn 9-10 (Piratella):
A subtle left kink on the climb; stay tight to the inside and avoid scrubbing speed as you prepare for the technical fast left-hander where precision is critical. Use the inside curb lightly, but beware of overcommitting to the corner. Keep the car balanced to stay on track during the downhill exit. - Turn 11-12 (Acque Minerali):
Approach Turn 11 with caution and brake earlier than you think, as this sharp right-hander comes downhill. Accelerate gently out of the corner to prepare for the second apex of Acque Minerali, Turn 12. Nail this double-apex sequence with a clean throttle application, and don’t overrun the exit curb, as the gravel lurks close. - Turn 13:
Push hard into the braking zone of Variante Alta. This chicane demands commitment as you flick the car from left to right.
Sector 3: (Turns 14-19)
- Turn 14-15 (Variante Alta):
Attack the curbs aggressively but avoid unsettling the car, if done correctly this chicane can make all the difference to your overall lap time. Keep your hands steady on the wheel as you straighten up quickly for the downhill run toward Rivazza. - Turn 16:
A long, downhill approach to Rivazza. This stretch is a great overtaking spot if you get the momentum right. Brake late but precisely, ensuring the car is settled for Turn 17. - Turn 17 (Rivazza 1):
A tricky corner that requires smooth trail braking to avoid locking up. Clip the apex and prepare to set up for Rivazza 2. - Turn 18 (Rivazza 2):
The exit here is critical for maximizing speed down the long main straight. Use the curb on the inside but prioritize throttle control to avoid losing grip. - Turn 19:
The final kink on the straight can be taken flat-out, signaling the end of a flowing lap at Imola. DRS activation just after Rivazza adds to the thrill as you prepare for the next lap.
Full Qualifying Lap
In this section, you’ll find my full Imola F1 24 qualifying lap video, where I push the limits of precision and speed to challenge myself against real-world qualifying lap times. Experience the exhilaration of navigating Imola’s iconic corners like Tamburello, Piratella, and Rivazza, and see how my lap stacks up against the best in Formula 1. Witness the technical mastery required to conquer this historic circuit and immerse yourself in the thrill of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Previous Pole Lap Times at Imola Grand Prix
Here are the pole lap times for the Imola Grand Prix in recent years, showcasing the incredible speed and precision required to master this legendary circuit.
- 2024 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:14.746
- 2023 Pole Lap: Cancelled (Severe Flooding)
- 2022 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:27.999
- 2021 Pole Lap: Lewis Hamilton – 1:14.411
- 2020 Pole Lap: Valtteri Bottas – 1:13.609
Personal Lap Reflection
Overall, I was reasonably happy with this lap at Imola, though I know there was room for improvement in Sector 1. The setup was stable and gave me the confidence to push through the challenging corners of this iconic circuit. Sector 2, in particular, was where I really pushed the limits, almost invalidating the lap. Thankfully, I managed to keep it clean, but it was a close call.
Confidence in the corners is key to unlocking lap time in Sector 2, especially on a fast, flowing track like Imola. This section is an absolute joy to drive when everything comes together. The Variante Alta chicane is a technical masterpiece that demands maximum stability to ride the kerbs and maintain speed. However, it’s incredibly easy to run wide on exit, which would immediately invalidate the lap. A strong exit here is critical to carry as much speed as possible down to the Rivazza corners.
The Rivazza complex at Imola is another highlight, with both corners allowing for impressive speed if tackled correctly. A clean exit from Rivazza is essential to maximize momentum onto the long home straight, setting up for the next lap or finishing the current one strongly. Imola’s unique flow and technical demands make it a rewarding circuit to master, and this lap was a testament to just how much confidence the right setup can inspire.
Imola F1 24 Setup
For my Imola F1 24 Grand Prix qualifying lap, I used a setup designed for a 35% race distance with 100 AI difficulty. This balanced setup provides stability through Imola’s technical chicanes and high-speed sections, requiring no mid-session adjustments like brake bias or differential changes. It’s a reliable, “set it and forget it” approach, perfect for focusing solely on your lap and race performance.
| Aerodynamics | Front wing | 40 |
| Rear wing | 20 | |
| Transmission | Differential on-throttle | 60% |
| Differential off-throttle | 30% | |
| Engine braking | 70% | |
| Suspension Geometry | Front camber | -3.50 |
| Rear camber | -2.20 | |
| Front toe-out | 0.00 | |
| Rear toe-in | 0.05 | |
| Suspension | Front suspension | 41 |
| Rear suspension | 3 | |
| Front anti-roll bar | 21 | |
| Rear anti-roll bar | 17 | |
| Front ride height | 27 | |
| Rear ride height | 57 | |
| Brakes | Brake pressure | 100% |
| Front brake bias | 55% | |
| Tyres | Front right tyre pressure | 28.0psi |
| Front left tyre pressure | 28.0psi | |
| Rear right tyre pressure | 25.0psi | |
| Rear left tyre pressure | 25.0psi |
Memorable Moments of the Imola Grand Prix
- Ayrton Senna’s Tragic Accident (1994):
One of the darkest moments in Formula 1 history occurred at Imola when Senna tragically lost his life at Tamburello. The race weekend also claimed the life of Roland Ratzenberger during qualifying, prompting sweeping safety reforms in F1. - Verstappen’s Dominance (2021):
Max Verstappen executed a flawless race, taking the lead into Turn 1 and never looking back. His wet-weather performance highlighted his skill and maturity behind the wheel. - Lewis Hamilton’s Comeback Drive (2021):
After an uncharacteristic off-track excursion, Hamilton stormed back through the field in wet conditions, finishing second and keeping his championship hopes alive. - Imola’s Return to F1 (2020):
After a 14-year absence, the Imola Grand Prix returned to the calendar, providing fans with nostalgia and a thrilling race in challenging conditions. - Michael Schumacher’s First Ferrari Pole (1996):
Schumacher’s stunning pole lap in the underperforming Ferrari F310 highlighted his brilliance and determination, marking a key moment in Ferrari’s resurgence at their home circuit in Imola.
Conclusion
Imola is a circuit that combines rich history with technical challenges, making it a favorite for drivers and fans alike. Its flowing layout, iconic corners, and high-speed sections require precision, confidence, and a well-balanced car setup. Whether you’re mastering Variante Alta’s tricky kerbs, nailing Rivazza’s exits, or carrying speed through Tamburello, every corner at Imola demands focus and finesse.
For sim racers, this track offers the perfect blend of complexity and satisfaction, rewarding those who can extract the maximum from each sector. Use this guide to hone your skills, challenge yourself against real-world benchmarks, and fully immerse yourself in the thrill of racing at one of Formula 1’s most legendary circuits.
Now it’s your turn—head out onto Imola, push the limits, and make your mark at this unforgettable track!
I put together this track guide using my trusty Fanatec GT DD Pro 8Nm racing wheel paired with the F1 Esports V2 rim, along with modded CSL pedals for that extra responsiveness. I race on the PS5, seated comfortably in my modified Playseat Challenge. To elevate my performance even further, I gear up with specialized gloves and boots that provide the perfect grip and feel. This setup has truly enhanced my control and precision on the track, making every racing session not just competitive, but incredibly enjoyable!
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