The Autodromo di Modena has a unique history spanning two distinct facilities. The original Aerautodromo di Modena was a race track on the edge of Modena measuring 2.366 kilometers (1.470 miles) in length. It opened in 1950 and was notable for being crossed by an airstrip of approximately 1.600 kilometers (0.994 miles) used by the local flying club. The circuit hosted significant racing events, with the last race held on September 3, 1961, won by Stirling Moss in a Lotus 18/21. In the early 1970s, Enzo Ferrari demanded an upgrade from the Modena Town Council and Automobile Club d'Italia, citing inadequate safety requirements for testing modern racing cars. The circuit was subsequently demolished, and the site was redeveloped as a public park to honor Enzo Ferrari in 1991.

After several decades without a motor racing circuit, Modena inaugurated the current Autodromo di Modena in 2011. The modern facility features a 2,068-meter track with a consistent 12-meter width around the entire circuit. The layout includes several uphill and downhill stretches, alternating between long straight sections of about 400 meters and a total of eleven bends, creating a technical and flowing circuit. In 2014, a chicane was added to the final corner with a run-off area and tighter turning radius to enhance safety and add a technical challenge. The circuit is located in Italy's Motor Valley and serves as an important testing and racing venue for the region's automotive industry.