The Autodromo di Modena is a 1.5-mile (2.41-km) racetrack located beside the airport of Modena-Marzaglia, in Modena, Italy. In its original configuration, the raceway ran around the airport and was crossed diagonally by a 1.6-km (0.99-km) airstrip where local flights landed regularly. The Autodromo di Modena hosted high-profile competitions, including the Formula 1 Modena Grand Prix in 1961. Several safety-related issues and the appearance of modern venues such as Imola and Fiorano led to the dismantling of the circuit in the nineteen-seventies. Nevertheless, the racetrack came back in 2011 with a new layout and inherited the passion for racing ingrained into the DNA of the region.
The new Autodromo di Modena has 11 turns and only one straightaway segment housing the start/finish line. The track surface is smooth asphalt, and the atmospheric conditions vary depending on the season, with a balanced distribution of rain throughout the year. The average speed of 68 mph (109 km/h) is influenced by the abundance of tight-angle corners creating frequent heavy braking spots. The combination of opposite directions turns coming in quick succession as in one-two-three is a tough test for the driver's maneuvering skills, and many inexperienced racers end up going into the ample runoff areas.