what is a monza course

by Zita Sipes 4 min read

The Monza Circuit (Italian: Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, lit. 'National Motor Racetrack of Monza') is a historic 5.793 km (3.600 mi) race track near the city of Monza, north of Milan

Milan

Milan is a city in northern Italy, capital of Lombardy, and the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome, with the city proper having a population of 1,395,274 while its metropolitan city has a population of 3,250,315. Its continuously built-up urban area has a population estimated t…

, in Italy. Built in 1922, it was the world's third purpose-built motor racing circuit after Brooklands

Brooklands

Brooklands was a 2.75-mile motor racing circuit and aerodrome built near Weybridge in Surrey, England, United Kingdom. It opened in 1907 and was the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit as well as one of Britain's first airfields, which also became Britain's largest aircraft man…

and Indianapolis and the oldest in mainland Europe.

Full Answer

What is Monza known for?

Circuit Overview. Monza is a true cathedral to speed, unmatched around the world for its sense of history and passion, fuelled in part by its long history and also the fanaticism of the Italian fans, the tifosi. With the steadily decaying remnants of the high speed banked circuit providing a backdrop through the parkland trees, the atmosphere here is like no other; a mix of speed, …

How to get to Monza?

 · From one nostalgic circuit to another, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, hosted every Italian grand prix since the very beginning except for the race in 1980 which was moved to Imola. ... In the early days, a loop track and a road course formulated the circuit and the worst motor racing crash in Italian history claiming the lives of Emilio Materassi ...

What is Monza Park?

park at the heart of the town of Monza. The original circuit was built in 1922 and included a banked oval course. Although this has not been used by F1 cars since 1961, it remains as a monument to the iconic races hosted over the years. The 5.793km Monza circuit is the fastest

What is the history of the Monza circuit?

 · From one nostalgic circuit to another, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, hosted every Italian grand prix since the very beginning except for the race in 1980 which was moved to Imola. ... In the early days, a loop track and a road course formulated the circuit and the worst motor racing crash in Italian history claiming the lives of Emilio Materassi ...

Is Monza banking still used?

The banking held the last race in 1969 with the 1000 km of Monza, the event moving to the road circuit the next year. The banking still exists, albeit in a decayed state in the years since the last race, escaping demolition in the 1990s.

What is Monza known for?

Grand Prix motor racing circuitMonza is best known for its Grand Prix motor racing circuit, the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, which hosts the Formula One Italian Grand Prix with a massive Italian support tifosi for the Ferrari team.

Is Monza a difficult track?

2021 Italian Grand Prix The team has been less competitive at circuits which place a high demand on power unit performance, and Monza sees the highest straight-line speed of the year. “It's not going to be an easy weekend for us,” Leclerc admitted. “On paper it is one of the most difficult tracks for us this year.

Why did Monza get rid of the banking?

The end of the Monza Oval It was found to be too dangerous, and from 1970 on the 1000 Kilometers of Monza was held only on the road circuit. After the 1969 race, the high-speed circuit layout wasn't used anymore. The banking fell into disuse and was no longer maintained.

Which F1 track is the fastest?

A 157mph average lap means Jeddah is F1's fastest street circuit, with 27 turns – many flat out – making for a fearsome challenge. The track is essentially a high-speed chase up and down the Corniche waterfront, an opening chicane leading to 11 fast winding corners.

What F1 track has the longest straight?

Baku is the newest circuit for 2016 and has the joint longest straight....The Longest Straights in F1.TrackStraight Length with Kink (m)Interlagos9002 more rows•Jun 2, 2016

Is Monza a fast track?

Monza, one of only four circuits from the inaugural 1950 season still used today, pushes drivers to some of their fastest speeds of the year. Those straightaways earn Monza the nickname “Temple of Speed,” but it's the 11 corners that make getting the most out of the car tough for even the world's best drivers.

Why is Monza a good track?

Monza is the ultimate test of a driver's bravery, and while speed is key, so is braking, especially into the opening chicane as racers have to go from over 200mph to almost nothing.

Is Monza a good F1 race?

As the spiritual home of the 'Tifosi', Monza's race day atmosphere is often regarded as one of the best in F1, and the Italian Grand Prix is one of the best-attended European races on the calendar.

Why is it called Parabolica?

The Parabolica is one of the most iconic corners in motorsport, its sweeping challenge leading onto the straight at Monza and through the finish line. It will be named after Italian driver Alboreto, who made his F1 debut in 1981 and finished second in the world championship in 1985.

What is a Parabolica in F1?

The circuit's signature corner, the Parabolica, is an increasing radius, long right-hand turn, the final corner before the start-finish line and Monza's legendary main straight. Perfect execution with maximum exit speed is thus vital for a quick lap.

Is Monza bringing back the Oval?

Monza officials are seeking government funding to not only preserve their place on the F1 calendar, but potentially redevelop their old oval circuit. The home of the Italian Grand Prix has a deal in place with Formula 1 until 2024 and will celebrate its centenary anniversary in 2022.

What is the Monza race?

In addition to Formula One, the circuit previously hosted the 1000 km Monza, an endurance sports car race held as part of the World Sportscar Championship and the Le Mans Series. Monza also featured the unique Race of Two Worlds events, which attempted to run Formula One and USAC National Championship cars against each other.

How long is the Monza track?

The 1.12 km (0.70 mi) start/finish straight. Monza, throughout its long and storied history has been known for its high-speed, simplistic nature thanks to its 1920's design and the few alterations it has received, and is currently the fastest track on the Formula One calendar and has been so since 1991.

When was the first Cup Fiera di Milano?

The starting grid of the " 1st Cup Fiera di Milano " race held in 1925.

How many corners are there in Monza?

Formula One cars are set up with one of the smallest wing angles on the F1 calendar to ensure the lowest level of drag on the straights. There are only 6 corner complexes at Monza: the first two chicanes, the two Lesmos, the Ascari complex and the Parabolica. Thus cars are set up for maximum performance on the straights.

What race was held at Monza?

Both car and Grand Prix motorcycle racing were regular attractions at Monza. These races involved drivers constantly slipstreaming competing cars, which produced several close finishes, such as in 1967, 1969, and 1971 .

How often is the Monza oval used?

It is used once a year for the Monza Rally. The banked oval was used several times for record breaking until the late 1960s, although the severe bumping was a major suspension and tyre test for the production cars attempting endurance records, such as the Ford Corsair GT which in 1964 captured 13 records.

What was the race of two worlds?

The Automobile Club of Italy held 500-mile (805 km) Race of Two Worlds exhibition competitions, intended to pit United States Auto Club IndyCars against European Formula One and sports cars. The races were held on the oval at the end of June in 1957 and 1958, with three 63 lap 267.67 kilometres (166.32 mi) heat races each year, races which colloquially became known as the Monzanapolis series. Concerns were raised among the European drivers that flat-out racing on the banking would be too dangerous, so ultimately only Ecurie Ecosse and Maserati represented European racing at the first running. The American teams had brought special Firestone tyres with them, reinforced to withstand high-speed running on the bumpy Monza surface, but the Maseratis' steering was badly affected by the larger-than-usual tyre size, leading to the Modena -based team withdrawal.

How many tracks are there in Monza?

Monza has three very different tracks – the 3.6 mile (5.793K) Grand Prix circuit, the 1.494 mile (2.4K) Junior circuit and the Alta Velocita, a steeply-banked 2.6 mile (4.25K) oval. Although a combination of the Grand Prix circuit and Alta Velocita was used in Formula One races in the 1950s, the practice was discontinued owing to the ferocious pounding the bumpy oval meted out to cars and drivers alike. As well the Grand Prix circuit has undergone a number of safety-targeted modifications over the years, including the addition of the Variante del Rettifilo, Variante della Roggia and Variante Ascari chicanes, but the boomerang-shaped circuit’s fundamental high speed character remains unchanged.

When did Monza host the race of two worlds?

Monza even hosted the legendary Race of Two Worlds in 1957-58, which pitted Indianapolis-style race cars against Formula One cars.

What is Monza known for?

Monza is best known for its Grand Prix motor racing circuit, the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, which hosts the Formula One Italian Grand Prix with a massive Italian support tifosi for the Ferrari team. On 11 June 2004 Monza was designated the capital of the new province of Monza and Brianza.

How high is Monza?

Geography and topography. Monza is located in the high plains of Lombardy, between Brianza and Milan, at an altitude of 162 metres (531 feet) above sea level. It is 15 kilometres (9 mi) from the centre of the region's capital, although when considering the cities borders, they are separated by less than 5 km (3 miles).

Who gave the Monza crown to Catherine?

In 1354 Pope Innocent VI proclaimed the undisputed right to impose, in the Cathedral of Monza, the Crown of Italy, the Iron Crown. In 1380 Gian Galeazzo Visconti donated the castle to his wife Catherine, who died there after having been jailed by her son Giovanni Maria (1404). In 1407 Estorre Visconti was proclaimed Lord of Monza and began minting Monza's own coinage.

Who regained Monza?

In April 1329, the condottiero Pinalla Aliprandi regained Monza from the imperial troops. Azzone Visconti allowed the reconstruction of the walls, beginning in 1333 and lasting until 1381. Martino Aliprandi was podestà of Monza from 1334 to 1336, overseeing the construction of the walls and the fortification of the fortress.

What faction was Monza in?

In 1312, Monza adhered to the Ghibelline faction.

Who occupied Monza?

After the decisive 1277 victory of the Visconti at the Battle of Desio, Monza was occupied by Archbishop Ottone Visconti and the Marquis of Montferrat, William VII (1278). The following year, the town was declared a possession of the people of Milan.

Who guaranteed the independence of the clergy of Monza?

In 1136 emperor Lothair III guaranteed the independence of the clergy of Monza from Milan. Monza subsequently regained its autonomy, which was not limited to the feudal government of lands and goods; the archpriest of Monza was confirmed the authority on the clergy of his church (year 1150).

1. The speed

Because of the unique characteristics of the Monza circuit, Formula 1 teams bring downforce packages that are developed especially for the race weekend. Minimal downforce is needed to optimise the long straights, with 83% of the lap being on full throttle.

2. The atmosphere

What's the name of that team, you know, the red one? From Italy? Ah yes... Ferrari. Monza is the only Italian stop on the Formula 1 calendar, and hence, it is the home of the fanatical Tifosi - supporters of the iconic Ferrari squad.

3. The history

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza was opened in 1922, 28 years before the Formula 1 World Championship started, and was only the third permanent racing circuit in the world at the time alongside Brooklands in the UK and Indianapolis in the USA. In those days Monza was a combination of a road course and banked oval that created terrifyingly fast speeds.

4. The corners

There may not be many corners on the Monza circuit, but some of them are a real challenge and provide some fantastic on-track action. That includes the numerous chicanes, which were added to slow the cars and make the track safer.

5. The setting

The Monza circuit is quite unique in the fact that it is set within the grounds of the Royal Villa of Monza, which was built between 1777 and 1780.

What was Monza used for?

Monza was actually used as a summer residence of the queens of Lombardy and was also used periodically as a military headquarters. Throughout the Middle Ages, the city was embroiled in various factional feuds, and in modern times, the city became a centre of economy and industry. Whilst many may believe Milan eclipses this smaller city, ...

Where is Monza located?

Monza is actually located 9 miles to the North East of Milan and is the capital of the province of Monza and Brianza with a population of approximately 120,000. Roman findings have dated settlements in Monza as far back as the 3rd Century BC, and since that time the city has served an important role in Italian history.

Where to drink wine in Monza?

If wine is your indulgence, the Vineria Dei Tintori Monza is a great place to sample a glass or three and enjoy a quiet evening of fine drink and great conversation.

Where is the Monza restaurant?

This charming eatery is located just outside the historic city centre near the Corso Milano and the Monza train station.

When was the Monza church built?

Located only a short walk from the Duomo and the Piazza Trento e Trieste, the church is one of the oldest in Monza and was created in the mid 14th century.

What is the city centre of Monza?

The historic city centre of Monza spans a wide area and is considered to be confined within the Via Alessandro Manzoni, and the Via Azzone Visconti. Within this area you can find most of the important historical sites and a guided tour of the old town is a great way to learn about the cities history.

What is the expiatory chapel of Monza?

As stated previously, Monza has a plethora of historical sites and monuments, and the Expiatory Chapel of Monza is one such structure that pays tribute to King Humbert I who was actually murdered on that very spot in 1900.

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Overview

History

The first track was built from May to July 1922 by 3,500 workers, financed by the Milan Automobile Club – which created the Società Incremento Automobilismo e Sport (SIAS) (English: Motoring and Sport Encouragement Company) to run the track. The initial form was a 3.4 square kilometres (1.31 sq mi) site with 10 km (6.2 mi) of macadamisedroad – comprising a 4.5 km (2.8 …

A lap of the circuit in a Formula One car

Monza, throughout its long and storied history has been known for its high-speed, simplistic nature thanks to its 1920s design and the few alterations it has received, and is currently the fastest track on the Formula One calendar and has been so since 1991. Monza consists of very long straights and tight chicanes, putting a premium on good braking stability and traction. The 5.793 km (3.60…

Deaths from crashes

• 1922 Fritz Kuhn (Austro-Daimler), killed during practice for the 1922 Italian Grand Prix
• 1923 Enrico Giaccone, riding as passenger in a Fiat 805 during private testing, with Pietro Bordino driving
• 1923 Ugo Sivocci (Alfa Romeo P1), killed during practice for the 1923 Italian Grand Prix

• 1922 Fritz Kuhn (Austro-Daimler), killed during practice for the 1922 Italian Grand Prix
• 1923 Enrico Giaccone, riding as passenger in a Fiat 805 during private testing, with Pietro Bordino driving
• 1923 Ugo Sivocci (Alfa Romeo P1), killed during practice for the 1923 Italian Grand Prix

Events

Current
• April: Italian GT Championship, TCR Italian Series, Formula Regional European Championship
• May: Campionato Italiano Auto Storiche
• July: FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Monza, European Le Mans Series 4 Hours of Monza, Le Mans Cup

In popular culture

• Italian rock band The Rock Alchemist, whose song "The Temple", from their 2017 album: Elements, was written as an anthem for the Monza Motor Racing Circuit.
• The Luigi Circuit in Mario Kart Wii is loosely based on the track minus the chicanes.

See also

• List of sporting venues with a highest attendance of 100,000 or more

External links

• Autodromo Nazionale Monza official website
• Autodromo Nazionale Monza on Google Maps (Current Formula 1 Tracks)
• Autodromo Internazionale di Monza circuit history at RacingCircuits.info