These works were followed by further changes, carried out at a fast pace during the summer months of 2008. They involved the altering the layout of the pit lane entrance and widening of the Piratella Curve escape route, as well as the resurfacing of the section of track between the exit of the pits and the end of the Tamburello curve as well as various safety measures such as curbs, grasses and tire safety barriers.
The Municipality of Imola, owner of the track, entrusted its management to Formula Imola S.p.A. which officially reopened the gates of the Autodromo on May 3rd with the event “Imola back on track”: a huge two-day party filled with music, sport, entertainment and gastronomy with 38,000 enthusiastic people in attendance. The city and its citizens were especially delighted to be able to access the historical symbol of their city again.
The inauguration of the track, from a racing point of view, took place in September of that year with World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) race.