Imola plots quicker Variante.

Imola's Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari could get a layout facelift as well as a remodelled pit and paddock area if plans to remove one of its slowest sections come to fruition.

The circuit was prompted to make various changes following the tragic weekend which claimed the lives of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger in 1994, but the alterations under consideration centre on the Variante Bassa chicane at the end of the lap, which was already in place. Modifications are necessary to accommodate an enlarged and updated paddock facility, which Imola has been told it requires if it is to keep its place on an increasingly popular F1 schedule.

According to Canada's TSN agency, the Italian government has already pledged $12million to the project, which would see the chicane section removed altogether, giving drivers a far quicker entry to the pit straight following the exit of Rivazza at the bottom of the hill. The project now needs the green light from the local town before work can begin, although, given the financial reward of hosting a grand prix, that is unlikely to prove difficult to obtain.

Imola has added impetus to complete the work for, in addition to retaining its F1 contract beyond its 2009 expiry date, it could become the home of the Italian Grand Prix - rather than the San Marino round - should Monza fail to placate current opposition to its noise levels. And, with Germany admitting that it may be forced to stage just one grand prix a year, as well as the F1 calendar attracting envious glances from around the world, Italy may also have to follow suit, either choosing between its two historic venues or planning to alternate between them.