The area around Imola is home to several racing car manufacturers – namely Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Minardi (later Toro Rosso and now AlphaTauri), Dallara and Stanguellini. Following the Second World War, the town launched a program to try to improve the local economy. Four local motor racing enthusiasts proposed the construction of a new road linking existing public roads, which was used by the local car manufacturers to test their prototypes. Construction began in March 1950. The first test run took place two years later when Enzo Ferrari sent a car to the track and Alberto Ascari ran some demonstration laps.