This coming weekend sees this season’s 14th race at Italy’s famous and fast track. Formula 1 Gran Premio Heineken d’Italia 2016 will prove to be especially interesting following on from Belgium, where Nico Rosberg managed to close the gap on his teammate Lewis Hamilton to just 9 points. Hamilton however did very well after engine penalties saw him start at the back of the grid in 21st place, to end up finally in third.
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza dates back to 1922 and is the third purpose built motor circuit in the world, after Brooklands in the UK and America’s Indianapolis. Previously home to the Alfa Romeo team, the circuit has been home to the Grand Prix since its inauguration in 1950. Known for its tight chicanes and very long straights, and only four proper corners, it sees cars racing full throttle for almost 80% of each of the 53 laps – and it doesn’t get much more exhilarating than that if speed is your thing.
Image courtesy of F1 Fanatic
Nicknamed ‘La Pista Magica’ - the magic track - by Italians, few would disagree. Its setting on the outskirts of Milan and its close proximity to the stunning Lake Como also offer those who visit the opportunity to enjoy world class shopping at the likes of Prada, Gucci and Armani, exquisite fine dining, or the chance to indulge in a romantic lakeside escape. The racetrack’s setting amongst the ancient trees of Monza’s Royal Park itself provides a gorgeous backdrop to the race.
With first and second practice sessions on Friday, third practice and qualifying on Saturday, the Grand Prix race is set for Sunday, 4th September. With eyes firmly on the Mercedes teammates as they come towards the two-thirds mark in the 2016 season, there will be particular attention paid to good braking ability and their handling of the first chicane – the Variante del Rettifilo – the scene of many first lap accidents.
With Michael Schumacher clocking up speeds of nearly 250 km/h, racing Ferrari in 2003, it remains to be seen whether this record will remain intact this year – with the title for this year’s crown so close. However, Ferrari’s record of 18 home soil wins looks untouchable for some years to come with McLaren in second place behind them with just 10.
Monza will mark the last of the European races before Singapore, and is the perfect European getaway before autumn sets in. With a location to please racing enthusiasts, shopping fans and foodies alike, there are few F1 locations that can boast quite as much as north Italy’s race track gem, and few too that can match what many think is a track that embodies Grand Prix racing more than any other in the world.
