The Italian Grand Prix is always one of the most exciting races in the Formula One schedule for one good reason, the venue. The Monza Circuit (known as the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza in Italy) is a staple of the Formula One season, known for its long straights and incredible speeds – it doesn’t get the nickname The Temple Of Speed for nothing!
We wanted to dedicate this blog to this incredible circuit, to look at its history and some key stats to understand exactly why the Italian Grand Prix weekend is one of the most eagerly anticipated weekends in the sport.
A brief history of Autodromo Nazionale di Monza
Monza is the oldest racetrack in Formula One – the original circuit dating back over one hundred years. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza opened on the 3rd September 1922, for the second Italian Grand Prix. There were two main tracks – a 4.5km loop track and a road track of 5.5 km – which could be combined for a full 10km track.
In the 1950’s, the circuit was completely revamped with a new banked oval high-speed course introduced, which could also be integrated with the existing one to keep a 10 km option. This was when the course became world renowned for its high speed nature, with exhibition competitions set up to let American IndyCars race against European Formula One cars. Many European drivers ended up pulling out as it was deemed just too dangerous with the newly introduced banked curves. The banked oval was cut out of the track during the 60s marking the end of a particularly dangerous period in motor racing history.
To combat the increase in the speed of the cars, two chicanes were added in 1972, the Variante del Rettifilo which became the first corner, and the Variante Ascari chicane on the other side of the circuit. When these didn’t make much difference to the speeds, the Curva Grande and the Curve di Lesmo were added, as well as changes to the Vialone.
Further safety measures have been installed since then, but the average speed at Monza is still the fastest around. It’s why the Italian Grand Prix has been held there every year since 1949, other than 1980 when it was undergoing refurbishment.
Memorable moments at Monza Circuit
There have been some incredible moments at the Italian Grand Prix over the years. In 1971, the first five drivers came down the main straight and finished within one second of each other. With average speeds of 150 mph, this was also the fastest ever Formula One race at the time.
What about when Niki Lauda made an astonishing return to racing at the Italian Grand Prix, just five weeks after his crash at Nurburgring? He went on to finish a very respectable fifth. Or the 1993 Italian GP, when Christain Fittipaldi clipped his teammate on the finishing straight, which sent him into the air and flipping 360 degrees before crossing the finish line in second place!
In 1988 Ayrton Senna led from pole position on the grid, right up until he had just two laps left, only to suffer from engine failure, handing victory to Gerhard Berger of Ferrari. A home victory for the team just a month after the death of their founder Enzo Ferrari.
Monza Circuit Formula One key stats
Circuit length: 5.793 km
Number of laps: 53
Lap record: 1:21.046 by Rubens Barrichello, 2004
Qualifying Lap Record: 1:18.887 by Lewis Hamilton, 2020
Top speed: 216 mph by Nicholas Latifi, 2022
Top Average Speed: 154 mph by Michael Schumacher, 2003
Most wins: 5 – Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher
How to get tickets for the Italian Grand Prix
If you want to witness the exhilarating speeds of the Italian Grand Prix in person, then we can help. We can provide ticket and accommodation packages that will enable you to be there at the final European race of the F1 World Championship season. It’s a unique experience for F1 fans at Monza – as well as seeing the highest speeds in the sport, you are let onto the track post race to get up close to the podium.
We can also provide travel options so you won’t have any hassle in planning your trip – we’ll take care of it all. If you are interested in one of our Formula 1 packages, call us now on 0333 2309115 or contact us.
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