The Monza circuit is one of the world’s greatest temples to motor racing, one of those legendary circuits that fans know like the back of their hands — and one which has provided a stage for some of the greatest motor racing drivers and motorbike champions. Like many other racing circuits, Monza is open to the public, and offers several experiences for dedicated fans of motor sports.
Did you know the the Monza circuit is very near Milan? A trip to the capital of Lombardy is the best way to see the Monza race track, whether on a simple sightseeing visit, or for a driving experience, or to watch a race.
In this article, you will learn more about Monza, and find out what you need to know if you’d like to visit it.
The Monza National Racetrack
Monza is a legendary circuit in the motor racing world, and in particular in Formula 1 racing. The vertiginous track has provided some unforgettable moments and famous victories, and has inspired a great deal of passion for racing on four wheels. It has hosted Formula 1 races every year since the competition began in 1950, with only one exception: the 1980 season, when the circuit was closed for remodelling.
In addition, Monza is the second home of Ferrari, the most legendary Grand Prix team. When the Italian Grand Prix comes around, the cavallino rampante team’s cars seem to know that they’re competing on home turf as die-hard fans of the Red Team pack the stands.
The Monza National Racetrack opened in September 1922 The layout of the original, 10-kilometre-long, oval, asphalt track was very similar to what we see today. However, a series of fatal accidents occurred very early on, and in the 1930s the track was modified to incorporate additional bends, until a decision was taken to race on only part of the oval. Over the circuit’s history, 35 spectators and 52 drivers have met their deaths there, including the legendary Alberto Ascari, Ferrari’s first world champion.
Features of the Monza Formula 1 circuit
The current track layout dates from the year 2000, and includes a total of 11 bends. Its L-shaped silhouette is unmistakable, and allows for a very fast race, with top speeds exceeding 330 kilometres per hour.
Monza’s other major feature is its chicanes, known as variantes, which cause drivers to brake from top speeds down to below 100 km per hour. One such chicane is the Rettifilo at the end of the home straight, which has always brought fans out in goosebumps once the starting gun has been fired.
Monza’s most famous bend is the Parabolica, the last turn before the home straight. Its layout recalls that of Monza’s old oval track, placed practically behind the bend. To win, it is vital to speed through here, braking as little as possible.
What you can do at the Monza F1 circuit
These high-speed tracks attract fans from all over the world seeking a thrill on the asphalt. Driving a sports car, racing with a professional driver, or taking a safe driving course — these are just a few of the activities offered by circuits such as the one at Monza.
Have you ever dreamt of travelling at high speed in a car driven by a racing driver? At Monza, you can make your dream come true. You can book one of these track experiences for a thrilling (but very safe) adrenaline rush. In addition, this is a great way to experience the track from the driver’s perspective: to travel at extreme speeds along the straight sections and to feel the excitement of the famous chicanes.
If you would prefer to be in the driving seat, you will find driving experiences with names such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche at Monza. A dream come true for any motor sport fan.
If you’d rather avoid risks, you can always opt for a guided tour of the circuit. This includes the main and most exclusive areas of Monza, such as the paddock, the boxes, the control tower, and the podium. It is possible to tour the circuit itself, either in a van or on a bicycle.
Circuits such as Monza also promote road safety, and offer safe driving courses under various road conditions. This is a brilliant way to learn techniques for managing the risks that you will meet every day on the roads.
Advice for attending the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix
Monza’s ultimate race is the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix. This takes place in late summer and attracts thousands of tiffosi, most of whom are Ferrari fans.
Just like with any other Formula 1 race, it is advisable to obtain your tickets well in advance, as demand is huge. Tickets can cover just the Sunday race or the entire weekend, so that you can enjoy the training and qualifying, and the other, parallel races that are all part of the Grand Prix.
On the Sunday of the race itself, we recommend that you travel to the circuit by public transport first thing in the morning, in order to avoid traffic jams and congestion. If you do decide to go, don’t worry that you’ll be bored during the hours before the race starts, as there are any number of activities taking place, and entertainment is guaranteed.
What to see in the city of Monza
The Monza race track is part of the city of the same name. In fact, the track is part of Monza Park, home to the Villa Reale, which was the royal palace during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Regno d’Italia. The palace, with its neo-classical architecture, has lovely gardens, and hosts frequent exhibitions. The park is one of Europe’s largest, covering over 700 hectares.
In the centre of Monza, you will also find a number of places of interest, including the fourteenth-century cathedral, where the Lombardy iron crown is kept. This crown, dating from the fifth century, was used in the coronation of the Holy Roman emperors, including Charles V, and is one of Christianity’s oldest relics.
Other buildings worth seeing are the thirteenth-century Arengario, (the equivalent of a modern-day town hall) as well as several fascinating churches, such as Sant Maria in Strada.
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For further details on all the activities available at the circuit of Monza, please visit the official website: https://www.monzanet.it/
How to get to the Monza circuit
- By car: the Monza Racing Circuit is located 22 km north of the centre of Milan.
- By train: the nearest station is Monza, located in the city itself, about 6 km from the circuit. There are connections with several suburban Milan lines.
- By bus: City bus N 204 connects the centre of Monza (Corso Milan, opposite the railway station) with the entrance to the circuit. During the Italian Grand Prix, shuttle services run from several points, connecting with public transport.
