One of the most historic race tracks in the world, Imola in northern Italy, will return to motocross after a break of 53 years and will host a round of the FIM Motocross World Championship next year. The circuit, called the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, will host the final GP of the year on September 29-30. Imola hosted motocross races from 1948-1965, so next year’s GP marks 70 years since the road race track hosted motocross.
Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo said: “Today we have something fantastic to announce. We are delighted to have come to an agreement with the “Autodromo Internazionale ‘Enzo e Dino Ferrari’ Imola”, and to be bringing Motocross to the temple of 2 and 4 wheels in Imola is something fantastic, this will help our sport grow even more, and it enables us to present our sport to a wider public thanks to the circuit’s outstanding infrastructures and reputation. Together we plan to organize an extraordinary MXGP event, offering a unique show in Italy and the world. We would like to thank the staff of the “Autodromo ‘Enzo e Dino Ferrari’ Imola” and in particular its President, Uberto Selvatico Estense, for the trust they have shown towards our company and our sport.”
Formula Imola President Uberto Selvatico Estense stated: “We are very proud of this announcement. We have motocross in our DNA as it was part of Imola events from 1948 to 1965 and 70 year anniversary of the first motocross race next year with this comeback. All the public and media in Imola are proud to have Motocross back. I’m sure the venue will be perfect to host the spectacular FIM Motocross World Championship. For us this agreement is something we are very proud of. Today that we sign the agreement I wish to thank all of the team that has believed in this project, thank you to Youthstream, the International and the Italian Federations to make this dream true”
FIM/CMS Director Tony Skillington: “On this very warm day I have to say it’s an honor to be part of this announcement. The FIM is very proud and very excited of all the achievements the Motocross World Championship has reached and about his program. This shows the improvements of Motocross. This is a new generation of facilities and organisation.”
President of Italian Federation Giovanni Copioli: The Staff at Imola are all friends and they already host great events. They are a milestone in the Italian scenario of events. They have a great professionalism, for them motocross is a big challenge but I’m sure they can satisfied all expectations.
The circuit will be built between paddock 2 and Rivazza hill.