Autodromo di Morano sul Po: From Abandoned Track to Test Site

In the heart of Piedmont, Italy, lies a track that once aspired to host thrilling motorsport events but instead became a symbol of unfulfilled potential and reinvention. The Autodromo di Morano sul Po has a fascinating history that spans decades, from its ambitious beginnings to a long period of abandonment and, eventually, its rebirth as a private testing facility. Here, we delve into the story of this intriguing circuit.

The Origination of Autodromo di Morano sul Po

In the early 1970s, planners conceived the Autodromo di Morano sul Po, also called the Circuit of Casale Monferrato, to bring motorsport closer to northern Italy’s industrial heartland. Located near the town of Morano sul Po, about 50 kilometers from Turin, the project aimed to capitalize on Italy’s deep passion for motorsport, inspired by legendary circuits like Monza and Imola.

The circuit was designed with the intent to host a variety of events. From local racing series to potential international competitions. It was developed as a multipurpose venue, suitable for both two- and four-wheeled motorsport. The track’s location in the Po Valley offered ample space for construction. And its proximity to Turin made it easily accessible for motorsport teams and fans.

Construction began in the early 1970s, and by 1973, the circuit was completed. With a length of 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles), it was relatively short but packed with challenging features. Including tight hairpins, sweeping bends, and a high-speed straight. The layout promised exciting racing and technical challenges for drivers. But its modest length meant it was more suited for national competitions than international events.

The Layout of Autodromo di Morano sul Po

The layout of the Autodromo di Morano sul Po was compact and technical, emphasizing driver skill and vehicle handling. Drivers navigated the circuit in a clockwise direction, tackling a total of 8 corners, with only two left-hand turns, making it predominantly oriented toward right-hand turns. Despite its charm, the track’s short length of 1.530 miles (2.462 kilometers) limited its appeal for hosting international-level races.

Its compact layout made it ideal for lower-tier motorsport events and local competitions. But its short length and lack of long straights limited overtaking opportunities. This was one of the key reasons why the circuit struggled to attract international events, despite its technical charm.

Recognizing the limitations of the track’s short length, there were ambitious plans to extend the circuit to make it more suitable for international competitions. The proposed extension aimed to add approximately 1 kilometer to the circuit, increasing its total length to nearly 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles).

The extension would have incorporated additional high-speed sections and at least one more overtaking zone, addressing some of the criticisms of the original layout. The idea was to create a more balanced track with a combination of technical and high-speed elements that could attract a broader range of motorsport categories.

A Short Operational Period

The Autodromo di Morano sul Po opened to great fanfare in 1973, hosting local and regional motorsport events. Italian Formula 3 and motorcycle races were among the first competitions held on the circuit. Drivers praised the technical aspects of the layout, and fans appreciated the picturesque location in the Po Valley.

During its brief operational period, the circuit hosted various national events. Including rounds of the Italian Formula 3 Championship, touring car races, and stages of the Giro d’Italia Automobilistico in 1973 and 1974. The venue quickly gained popularity, with 17 competitions, over 2,150 drivers, and approximately 100,000 spectators recorded in 1974.

However, the circuit’s success was short-lived. By 1975, residents of nearby municipalities, particularly Pontestura and Coniolo, began voicing concerns over noise pollution. These grievances led to legal disputes and mounting pressure on the circuit’s management. In an attempt to address the issues, the number of events was reduced in 1976, but this measure proved insufficient. The persistent opposition culminated in the circuit’s closure at the end of that year.

Decades of Abandonment

The closure did not mark the end of the circuit’s troubles. On August 18, 1977, in a decisive move to prevent any unauthorized racing activities, approximately 500 meters of the track were deliberately destroyed using heavy machinery. This act rendered the circuit unusable and symbolized the community’s resolve against the venue.

In 1980, there was a brief resurgence of hope when the track was resurfaced, and a restaurant was constructed nearby, hinting at potential revival plans. Discussions about reopening surfaced, but bureaucratic hurdles and lingering opposition thwarted these efforts. Over time, nature reclaimed the area, and the once-thriving circuit became enveloped by vegetation, standing as a silent monument to its fleeting glory.

During this period, the track became a curiosity for motorsport enthusiasts and urban explorers. Occasional photographs of the decaying circuit circulated online, sparking interest among those fascinated by abandoned race tracks. The combination of crumbling infrastructure and overgrown vegetation created a hauntingly beautiful landscape, adding to the mystique of the Autodromo di Morano sul Po.

A New Life: Dimsport Takes Over

In 2022, the fate of the Autodromo di Morano sul Po began to change. The Italian company Dimsport, specializing in automotive performance tuning and testing equipment, saw potential in the forgotten circuit. Recognizing the value of a private track for testing purposes, Dimsport acquired the site and began restoration work.

The primary goal was not to restore the circuit to its former glory as a motorsport venue but to repurpose it as a private testing facility. The layout was preserved, but modern safety measures and facilities were added to support its new function. The high-speed straight and technical corners made it an ideal environment for testing vehicle performance and handling.

Today, the Autodromo di Morano sul Po operates as a closed testing ground for Dimsport. Allowing the company to develop and fine-tune its automotive products. While the circuit no longer hosts public events, its transformation into a private test track has ensured its survival, giving it a new lease on life.

Legacy of the Autodromo di Morano sul Po

The story of the Autodromo di Morano sul Po is one of ambition, adversity, and reinvention. Although it never achieved the status of Italy’s legendary circuits, its history reflects the challenges of building and sustaining a motorsport venue in a competitive landscape. Its abandonment added to its allure, drawing the attention of motorsport history enthusiasts.

Thanks to Dimsport’s efforts, the circuit has avoided complete oblivion, finding a new purpose in the world of automotive innovation. While the roar of race cars may no longer echo through Morano sul Po, the track remains a fascinating chapter in the story of Italian motorsport.