Ferrari's focus is always on a red letter day at Imola

This season Ferrari have embarked on an attempt to claw their way back into contention with their two youngest drivers since 1968

The view inside a Ferrari F1 cockpit. This season Ferrari have embarked on an attempt to claw their way back into contention with their two youngest drivers since 1968. Picture: Miguel Schincariol/AFP/Getty Images

It is a subject for debate where European motor sport has its heart, and above all Formula 1. Several countries have a claim, whether based on history or current ascendancy. The English might argue for Northampton and there is worthy case for Stuttgart. But there is little doubt that the soul of motorsport is to be found on the other side of the Alps.

Once across those mountains and down in the plain you pass Monza and take the circuit round Milan — it calls itself as a ring road — before heading for the straight, south towards Bologna.