San Marino GP circuit guide

Round 3: 9 April

Imola is known for two things which sum up Formula One's history - the fanatical following offered to Ferrari and the death of Ayrton Senna in 1994.

The Brazilian master's demise led to major safety improvements in the sport, and especially here.

Circuit facts

Lap length: 3.041m (4.892km)

Race length: 63 laps

Total distance: 191.51 miles

Chicanes have been added everywhere, taking from the circuit its previously dominant characteristic of long sweeping fast curves.

The most obvious change is to the Tamburello, the left-hand first corner on which Senna's Williams tragically went straight on into a wall six years ago.

It is now punctuated by a chicane, while there are three or four similar sections to negotiate.

Form guide

Fond memories: M Schumacher gave Ferrari first "home win" for 16 years last year

Must do better: Hakkinen has never won here

Look out for: Crazy Italian Ferrari fans

But despite the reduction in average speed Imola's emphasis is still on power with the best-performing engines likely to shine.

The challenging tight corners follow long straights also give the brakes a serious workout.

The changes have not stopped the Ferrari fanatics turning up in their thousands.

Nor did the years of domination by Williams and McLaren who constantly denied the local favourites the chequered flag.

Last year it was Michael Schumacher who delighted the tifosi by giving them their first "home win" for 16 years.

Roll of honour

1995: Damon Hill, Williams

1996: Damon Hill, Williams

1997: Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Williams<

1998: David Coulthard, McLaren

1999: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari

And the fans who follow the scarlet cars with almost religious intensity desperately hope they will not have to wait so long to see another Ferrari first to the chequered flag.

Mika Hakkinen crashed out of last year's event while McLaren team-mate David Coulthard was second.

The 1999 podium was completed by Rubens Barrichello who will never forget the tragic events of Imola 1994 and his compatrios Senna's death.

1999 result

1. Michael Schumacher, Ferrari

2. David Coulthard, McLaren

3. Rubens Barrichello, Stewart

4. Damon Hill, Jordan

5. Giancarlo Fisichella, Benetton

6. Jean Alesi, Sauber

The same weekend saw Roland Ratzenburger killed in qualifying and Barrichello survive an awful accident of his own on the Friday.

It was no surprise when Ferrari's new driver dedicated last year's third place in the Stewart to Senna.

A win for the Brazilian this time would see him remember Imola for something better, and be massively popular with his new army of fans.