A guide to the Monza Grand Prix Circuit
Monza is no doubt one of the most famous racing tracks in the world. It is the fastest track after the Hockenheim track in Germany. Monza has hosted the F1 Italian Grand Prix for every year, except one, since 1950.
The track itself has undergone many changes and alterations since its original construction. However, it essentially is a series of fast straights, broken up by chicanes, sharp corners and the almost endless 'Parabolica'. In the 2002 Italian Grand Prix, the circuit saw the fastest ever lap of a F1 racing track.
In qualifying, Juan Pablo Montoya, driving for Williams-BMW, registered a lap time of 1'20"264, at an average speed of 259.827kph (162.392mph). He broke the F1 highest everage speed record held for 16 years by Keke Rosberg, who set the record driving a Williams-Honda at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone in 1985.
The Monza track has always been particularly fast, which led to many spectacular crashes. The 1971 Italian Grand Prix at Monza still holds the record for the fastest ever F1 race. Changes were made to the track over many years, as safety became more of an issue. Chicanes were added, the circuit length shortened, banks removed, and gravel pits introduced. The Grand Prix race now is made up of 53 laps, with a total distance of 306.499km (191.562mi), with a track length of 5.783km (3.614mi).
Living up to its fame, Monza is a top-level motor racing complex, offering excellent amenities for both drivers and spectators. The circuit itself has three tracks: the Grand Prix track, Junior track (with lighting for night time events) and Speed track. The complex offers a range of grandstand and private seating areas, pavilions, a medical center, restaurant, gas station, bank and numerous shops. The pit complex, besides the pits themselves, includes press rooms, technical services areas and hospitality areas. The track even boasts an Olympic size swimming pool.
The Monza track is used throughout the year for testing purposes, as well as other racing events. The key ones besides the F1 Italian Grand Prix are: World Superbike, Le Mans Endurance 1,000km, FIA GT Championship and the Ferrari Challenge.