Sep.12 (GMM) Upgrade works at the former grand prix venue Imola are reportedly now complete.

Work on the renovation at the ageing 'Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari', which last hosted the San Marino grand prix early in the 2006 season, began last November.

"(Bernie) Ecclestone has guaranteed to me that once the works are finished, F1 will return in 2008," the north-central Italian town's mayor, Massimo Marchignoli, said at the time.

The media box and paddock buildings were completely destroyed with explosives, and replaced with new ones, while the 'Variante Bassa' chicane was eliminated. The cost of the overhaul was estimated at (US) $13m and overseen by regular F1 architect Hermann Tilke.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Wednesday that the renovated circuit will be opened to the public this weekend.