Monza: A Time Capsule of Motor Racing

Set in picturesque Italian parkland, the Monza circuit is the cathedral of speed, and is home to the fanatical Tifosi - supporters fo the iconic Ferrari team. On this track, Formula One cars are pushed to their very limits, reaching their fastest speeds of the season. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza opened in 1922 and was the third permanent racing circuit in the world alongside Brooklands in the UK and Indianapolis in the USA. From 1955 to 1961, the track used a combination of a road course blasting through the forests and a steeply banked oval that creates terrifying speeds: A flat out, 10-kilometer figure of eight circuits.

The Formula One World Championship started in 1950 with Monza being included in the inaugural season; the circuit has appeared in every single season apart from 1980. The likes of Sir Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Alberto Ascari have all gone on to win on the circuit, and the old banking remains to date, serving as a reminder of the rich history of Monza as cars run under it on their way to the Ascari chicane. Teams prepare specifically for this track, and due to its unique characteristics, minimal downforce is needed to optimize the long straights, with 83% of the lap being on full throttle. During the mid-2000s, speeds could reach up to 231mph along the pit-straight, with the roar of the meaty V10 engines echoing across the track - the sound of pure adrenaline.

During the 1950s, Monza underwent significant modification as the banking was dropped due to the danger it posed for drivers and fans alike. In his 1961 book Cars at Speed, Robert Daley called Monza the "Circuit of Death"—and with good reason, as the circuit has been the site of many fatal accidents, especially in the early years of the Formula One world championship; it has claimed the lives of 52 drivers and 35 spectators. It was last used when Wolfgang von Trips in his Ferrari crashed into the crowd at the Parabolica, which claimed the life of the driver as well as 14 other spectators. 

Taking a drive around Monza is an enthralling experience: Such is the speed that the deceleration into the tight first corner - a right-left chicane - where braking stability is key. Once you get a smooth exit, the Curva Grande is next; a full-throttle right-hander. A wheel to wheel racing or running side-by-side on the curve is not for the faint-hearted. Up next are the two Lesmos curves, where understeer is common, and the full use of kerbs are crucial to get a good run down the next straight. Cars are set up with one of the smallest wing angles to ensure a low level of drag on the straights, but a stable car that makes the best use of the kerbs, is crucial in tackling the complex curves of the Ascari chicane. Coming down the straight with some DRS assistance is the stand-out corner on the circuit. The Parabolica is a fast, long, full-throttle turn that requires precision in handling and confidence in the car. 

A sea of red fans - the 'Tifosi' fill up the stands during race weekends, and on this track, the prancing horse roars louder than ever. The Monza experience is a lifelong emotion, with the heavenly experience of driving in a Ferrari is propelled by the memories of Gilles Villeneuve, the German great Schumacher, and of course, Enzo Ferrari who personally took care of Monza. He who wins in Monza is a Tifosi for life, etched in the memories in the temple of history. Monza is the heart of Formula One with its passionate fans, and ensures an interesting race and is a time capsule of motor racing. At the birthplace of the Tifosi, the cheer for Ferrari is loud, and when the team wins, all of Italy comes alive to celebrate. The traditional podium celebration involves a post-race track invasion, creating an atmosphere like no other in the Formula One calendar year, and is a ‘must-see’ race for any fan. 

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