An Imola track day with Stratos: the whole circuit hired for up to 15 drivers, a GT car supplied and a coach in the car with you.
In short: Imola, officially the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, is a 4.909 km anticlockwise Formula 1 circuit 40 km east of Bologna, Italy. Stratos hires the whole circuit for two full days for up to 15 drivers, with three nights at a hand-picked hotel.
Stratos at Imola
Stratos hires the whole circuit for up to 15 drivers. See upcoming events for dates and availability.
The circuit
Imola is in the town of Imola, in Emilia-Romagna, 40 km east of Bologna. It is 4.909 km and holds an FIA Grade One licence. It runs anticlockwise.
It is an old-school circuit, fast and with elevation, reshaped by chicanes added for safety. It is named after Enzo Ferrari and his son Dino, and Maranello, home of Scuderia Ferrari, is nearby.
| Length | 4.909 km |
|---|---|
| Corners | 19 |
| Direction | Anticlockwise |
| Licence | FIA Grade One |
| First race | 1953 |
| Formula 1 lap record | 1:15.484, Lewis Hamilton, 2020 |
A short history
Imola opened in 1953 as a semi-permanent motorcycle venue. It hosted the Italian Grand Prix in 1980 and the San Marino Grand Prix every year from 1981 to 2006. In 1994 Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna died here, and Tamburello, once flat out, became a chicane. Formula 1 left in 2007, the circuit was rebuilt, and Formula 1 returned in 2020 as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The 2023 race was cancelled after floods; it ran in 2024 and 2025. It has also hosted World Superbike and the European Le Mans Series. The circuit is named after Enzo Ferrari, the founder of Ferrari, and his son Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari, and when Formula 1 raced here it was treated as one of Ferrari's home circuits, with the team based in nearby Maranello. Several road cycling races have used the circuit too, including stages of the Giro d'Italia and the UCI Road World Championships.
The lap, corner by corner
The named sections, in order:
- Tamburello. A left-hand chicane after the main straight, once a flat-out curve.
- Variante Villeneuve. A second chicane on the run to Tosa.
- Tosa. A slow left hairpin.
- Piratella. A medium-speed left.
- Acque Minerali. A linked downhill sequence where the car is never still.
- Variante Alta. A slow left-right chicane at the top of the hill, with the hardest braking point on the lap.
- Rivazza. Two left-hand corners. The exit sets your speed down to the start line.
What it's like to drive
In a Ferrari F8 Tributo or a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Imola asks for respect. The kerbs are high, the corners link one into the next and the elevation means braking zones change from uphill to downhill. On day one you learn the shape and the braking markers. On day two you start carrying speed through Acque Minerali and into Rivazza.
Ways to drive Imola
Organisers run public days at Imola with your own car or a rented one, under a 97 dB limit on some days. The circuit's own rules let it suspend track activity if noise goes over the limit. With Stratos, the whole circuit is hired for up to 15 drivers, with the car, private coaching and hotel arranged.
Public track day or Stratos
| Public track day | Stratos | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | Participant and on-track limits depend on the organiser and format | Up to 15 drivers, and the circuit is yours |
| Track time | Scheduled sessions or open pit lane, depending on the organiser | Two track days with unlimited kilometers; sessions, breaks and car sharing apply |
| Who's there | Entry requirements and experience groups depend on the organiser | A group by invitation, founders and tech leaders under 45 |
| Cars | Your own road car, or a rental if one is allowed | Porsche GT3 and GT3 RS, Ferrari or Lamborghini, prepared and run by our team |
| Coaching | Availability varies; some organisers offer personal coaching | Private coaching from professional instructors, in your car |
| Data | Personal recording or organiser services, depending on the event | Onboard video and lap data, reviewed with your coach after each session |
| Accommodation | You find and book your own | Three nights at a hand-picked hotel near the circuit, with transfers included |
| Food | Catering arrangements depend on the event | Catered lunches at the circuit and dinners at the region's best restaurants |
How Stratos runs it
The planned format is two full days of private circuit hire, with safety crew and marshals, and three nights. Included: private coaching with professional race drivers, meals and group dinners, airport and circuit transfers, driving equipment, data and video review, and professional photography and film. Unlimited kilometers with your Stratos car.
The sample itinerary:
- Arrival. Check in and join the group for dinner and a driver briefing.
- Track day one. Learn the circuit. Start with your coach, build familiarity with the lap and develop your technique at your own pace.
- Track day two. Build on your progress. Refine your lines and bring the previous day's learning into each session.
- Departure. Breakfast, check-out and onward transfers. Photos, film and coaching notes follow.
Where you stay
Three nights at a hand-picked hotel near the circuit, with a room for each driver and dinners at the region's best restaurants. The hotel is confirmed on the event page and may change to a similar or higher-standard property.
Getting there
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ). About 40 km from Imola, the region's main international airport.
- By train. Imola station is about 2 km from the circuit, about 20 minutes from Bologna.
Airport and circuit transfers are included in the Stratos format.
FAQ
How long is Imola?
4.909 km, run anticlockwise.
Why is Imola called Enzo e Dino Ferrari?
It is named after Enzo Ferrari, founder of Ferrari, and his son Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari.
Is Imola good for a first track day?
It is demanding, with high kerbs and quick changes of direction. With a coach beside you, first-time drivers can learn it, and it rewards a second day.
What is the noise limit at Imola?
It depends on the day. One public organiser lists 97 dB, and the circuit measures noise externally and can stop track activity.
What is the nearest airport to Imola?
Bologna, about 40 km away.
Where do Stratos drivers stay?
At a hand-picked hotel near the circuit, listed on the event page.
Can I drive a Ferrari at Imola?
Yes. The Stratos fleet includes the Ferrari F8 Tributo, alongside Porsche GT3 models and the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. See the Ferrari
When is the next Stratos event here?
See upcoming events for dates.
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