No track gets a Formula One fan's pulse racing faster than Monza. It's the quickest
circuit on the calendar and also one of the most evocative: the old banking -
last used in 1961 - is clearly visible, as are some of the old stands.
When you combine the track's merits with the cultural delights and shopping of
nearby Milan, you are left with one of the most alluring races of the season.
As well as the city and the circuit, the charms of Lake Como are just a short
drive to the north and the Mediterranean coast is only a couple of hours away.
βMilan is undoubtedly a great city," says Giancarlo Fisichella . βIt's
very beautiful, with some great places to see and good food. But there are
some great pizzerias in Monza itself and I try to eat in one over the GP weekend.β
There are two main airports in Milan: Linate and Malpensa, with Girona a
one-hour drive to the east. Malpensa handles the most international flights
and is closest to the city centre, but Linate is the most convenient for the
track.
Transportation
Shuttle buses into Milan operate from all three airports, but the Malpensa Express
Train offers the shortest journey. Once in Milan, there are plenty of public
transport choices: bus, tram, underground or taxi.
Thick woodland in the centre of the track limits the amount of grandstand space
at the second chicane and the Lesmos, but there are great seats available at
the first chicane, Ascari and Parabolica. Grandstand prices are split into three
categories, while general admission has the advantage of letting you visit the
more inaccessible areas of the circuit, such as the old banking.
Nightlife
Milan has every kind of bar, club and museum you could wish for. The Duomo is
the world's fourth-largest church, the Pinacoteca di Brera is the city's leading
art gallery and take a look at the San Siro football stadium, home to both AC
and Inter Milan. The way to start an evening out is with cocktails at the Piazza
del Duomo in the centre of town before checking out the numerous nightspots.
Extended Stay
Nearby Lake Como is the choice holiday destination of many celebrities. Actor
George Clooney has a place there, and many Formula One VIPs stay there for
the Italian Grand Prix, catching a helicopter to and from the track every day.
If you like beauty, seclusion and good weather rolled into one, then join them.
The delights of the south of France are not far away either. Many of the Monaco-based
F1 fraternity drive to Monza, so you could follow them back after the race, stopping
off en route in delightful haunts such as San Remo.
German Version