Demanding for brakes and tyres

Following the three overseas races held at the beginning of the season, this weekend Formula One returns to European soil. The 'Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari' is a classic stop-and-go circuit representing a hard test for brakes and tyres in particular.

Characteristic features of Imola's classic racetrack are the numerous chicanes, forcing drivers to be fully focused at all times. To successfully finish this race a perfect set-up is crucial. Furthermore, brakes and tyres have to cope with extreme strains. And there is another specific feature: Unlike most other circuits on the calendar, the Imola circuit is lapped anti-clockwise. Therefore the San Marino GP is putting the drivers' neck muscles to the test.

Imola has been a Grand Prix venue since 1980. Following the fatal accidents of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger in 1994, the circuit was revamped prior to the 1995 Grand Prix, with the focus on improving safety. During the 62-lap race at the 4,933 kilometre circuit, overtaking opportunities will be rare.

BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Nick Heidfeld secured his best Imola result in 2005. The German has been eight on the grid, and over the course of the race, he gained two positions to finish sixth. His team mate, Jacques Villenueve, clinched a better result in last year's San Marino Grand Prix. The Canadian finished fourth - his best Imola result so far - thus just missing out on a podium finish.