Italian F1 Grand Prix at Monza Sept 11-13 2009

The next round of the 2009 Formula 1 Championship, the ‘Formula 1 Gran Premio Santander D’Italia 2009’ moves to Italy and the famous, pulse-quickening, Monza circuit – located just north of Milan. 

The Monza (‘Autodromo Nazionale Monza) circuit has a history of tragedy, with cars regularly getting into spins and crashing.  A number of drivers, marshalls and spectators have lost their lives there over the years, especially before safety precautions were tightened up.  It is a fast circuit with long straights, heavy braking and high-speed, tight chicanes.  The cars are really given a work-out at Monza with many gear changes and the all too often engine failures.  Italians refer to Monza as ‘La Pista Magica’ (the magic track) for good reason.

This video shows how F1 has changed since Fangio raced at Monza in 1957!

The challenging Monza circuit will take the drivers on a crowd-thrilling 53 laps of the 5.793 km (approx 3.6 miles) circuit, to make a total distance for the race of 306.720 km (approx 190 miles).  For more information visit the official F1 website. 

Saturday’s Qualifying race will be broadcast live on BBC1 at 12:10pm and the Grand Prix live on Sunday at 12:10 (UK time). 

This is one race where fans are likely to be able to drag the spouse along – for the great shopping in nearby Milan, as well as cultural interests, sightseeing, and great eateries.   Milan has two airports and getting around is easy as there are plenty of shuttle buses, trains, trams, buses, taxis, and the underground.  While in the area, it’s worthwhile taking a few days out at nearby Lake Como or heading to the Mediterranean coast. 

Visit our Travel Guide for Italy and click on the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign for important and updated travel advice and information.  Remember to take along your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but remember that it is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.