Hidden deep within the quiet countryside of northern Italy lies a forgotten strip of tarmac, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Welcome to Autodromo di Morano sul Po—a relic of motorsport dreams from the past. In the 1970s, it wasn’t just another regional track. It was a bold ambition come to life.
While it never hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix, don’t be misled. Morano sul Po echoed with the sound of F1 engines and the rise of future champions. For a brief moment, this modest circuit felt like the center of the racing universe.
From Farmland to Fuel-Filled Fury
It all began in 1973, just outside Casale Monferrato. A patch of land was transformed into a 2.46-kilometer raceway, blending technical corners with high-speed straights. It quickly gained recognition for its challenge and charm, hosting everything from fierce Formula 3 fights to gritty touring car clashes. Even the infamous “Giro d’Italia Automobilistico” made it part of its route—a wild fusion of rally and circuit racing.
And while small, Morano sul Po welcomed big names.
Legends on the Tarmac
Imagine this scene:
- Arturo Merzario, the fearless Ferrari driver, pushing a 312 B2 to the limit and setting a record lap of 1:01.1—a time that still sparks awe.
- Upcoming talents like Riccardo Patrese, Nelson Piquet, and Vittorio Brambilla battling it out on the same curves that once shook with the roar of F1 power.
- The unique thrill of Grand Prix cars blasting through rural roads during the Giro, roaring past vineyards and old stone homes.
For a fleeting few years, Morano sul Po was a heartbeat of speed and sound.
The End of the Roar
Surprisingly, it wasn’t crashes or funding that ended the ride. It was the sound. By 1975, nearby villagers in Pontestura and Coniolo had had enough. Complaints piled up, races got canceled, and attendance fell. Then, in 1977, a shocking act: a section of the track—around 500 meters—was physically dug up. The dream died with it. Just four years after opening, the engines went silent.
A Track Forgotten by Time
Nature moved in. Wild vines crept over the barriers. Asphalt cracked open. The pit lane peeled and faded. For decades, the track lived on only in memories, visited only by curious urban explorers and nostalgic racing fans.
Until something unexpected happened.
In 2022, Dimsport, part of the Holdim Group, gave the old circuit a new lease on life—not as a public track, but as a sleek, private testing ground. Today, the fresh asphalt plays host to:
- Prototype cars whispering through development runs
- Engine specialists fine-tuning ECU setups
- Film productions, including scenes for Ferrari (2023), capturing its faded charm
It’s no longer loud. The stands are empty. But the track lives again—quietly, purposefully. Autodromo di Morano sul Po may not have become a motorsport empire, but it survived. And in that survival lies its legacy.
Some places refuse to die. Drive near Casale Monferrato and roll your window down—you might still hear echoes of engines past, whispering through the weeds.
