Monza "working to extend the Formula 1 Italian GP beyond 2025"

The presentation of the 94th Italian Grand Prix
Past and future intertwined at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, which hosted the presentation of the 94th Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix at the Tazio Nuvolari Press Room. This event is the fifteenth (out of 22) stage of the 2023 World Championship, the only one taking place in Italy this year from Friday, September 1st, to Sunday, September 3rd. Because Monza’s circuit is ancient but not outdated, always keeping up with the times.

During the press conference, the president of the Automobile Club of Italy, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, the president of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana, the president of the Automobile Club Milano, Geronimo La Russa, the mayor of Monza, Paolo Pilotto, and the president of Sias-Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Giuseppe Redaelli, took the floor.

Comments from Sticchi Damiani
“The exciting centenary year has concluded, culminating with the presence of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at last year’s GP. Today, we talk about the future of the Italian GP, which is in our hands: all of us together are capable of working to extend the contract beyond 2025. Monza is the circuit with the most important history, but it must showcase a level of hospitality in line with the times. We are at a significantly advanced stage in upgrading the underpasses and resurfacing the track. The timing is correct and in line with expectations. A committee is reviewing the projects of 14 companies that are candidates to be invited to the competition. By the end of October, we can identify the winning company to start the work in November. The start could coincide with the rally, which will conclude the Italian championship. We need to be adept at coexisting the race with construction. However, we must finish the work by April to enable the hosting of important events at the circuit in the spring. It’s a first step. I want to thank the Lombardy Region, which financed the work together with the Ministry of Infrastructure. Thanks also to Minister Salvini. By September-October, we could undertake other planned initiatives, such as covering the pits, an area for the paddock club, and new grandstands that could create a microcosm with various comforts and services. Some grandstands are quite dated (with structures dating back 30 years), but we can’t do it all alone. For this, however, we will need additional support not only economically but also in other aspects. In this regard, a special thank you goes to the mayor of Monza, as it’s not easy to operate within a park like that of Monza. We have also signed an agreement with the Forestry Carabinieri to enhance the biodiversity of the park. I also thank the Superintendent’s office for their collaboration. However, we are in a hurry because I need to sit down with Liberty Media to work on the contract renewal. There are still two years left of the current contract, and as we know, this is the time for negotiations. Looking to the future, the economic conditions to keep F1 in Monza will be more challenging, but by working together as a team, we can achieve the goal.”

Comments from Fontana
Next, the president of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana, spoke: “Monza, the most beautiful and thrilling showcase of Formula 1, is once again ready to provide a weekend full of excitement. We hope that, putting all superstitions aside, it might even take on a red hue. Ferrari red. The ‘Temple of Speed,’ in a unique and unparalleled setting, is increasingly becoming a tourist attraction, as well as a consolidated hub for innovation and technological experimentation. This contributes not only to the growth of our region but also to the broader interests of the entire country. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza and its context, with a Villa Reale that is becoming more ‘radiant’ and accessible to visitors, are among the shining stars of excellence in Lombardy, which is strongly committed to international prominence.”

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Comments from La Russa
Then, Geronimo La Russa, president of the Automobile Club Milano, took the floor: “The countdown to the 94th Italian Grand Prix has finally begun. This event has always brought prestige and visibility to our region. The 2023 edition is particularly important for two reasons. Firstly, the race marks the end of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza (the home of the Italian Grand Prix) and coincides with the 120th anniversary of the foundation of the Automobile Club Milano. This institution strongly desired, designed, planned, and finally built the facility in three months during the summer of 1922. Once again this year, we are proud to contribute to the organization of the Grand Prix by managing the recruitment and activities of the 350 Race Officials and Marshals, who come not only from Italy but also from the United Arab Emirates, Austria, Hungary, France, the United States, Australia, Poland, Azerbaijan, Switzerland, and Canada. I believe that all of this is an extraordinary success for Lombardy in terms of sports, tourism, and major events, as we await the Winter Olympics that we will host in 2026, claiming the rightful place for this region on the global stage.”

Comments from Mayor Pilotto
“At the end of the centenary Grand Prix, we agreed with the ACI and SIAS management that to best address the sporting commitments, it was necessary to strengthen institutional collaboration, crucial for resolving many outstanding issues. This year’s Grand Prix, approaching record numbers like those of 2022, is also the result of this renewed collaboration. It’s an alliance that respects the rules and has seen us work together on several fronts. After the torrential rain in July, I thank Sias, Parco Valle del Lambro, and the Consorzio Villa Reale for their extraordinary teamwork, which restored suitable safety conditions. We will collectively engage in planning replanting and reforestation projects to protect the park’s green heritage. In the meantime, Monza, the city of motors, is getting ready to welcome Formula 1 enthusiasts again this year, not only at the circuit but also in the city squares and streets. The FuoriGP events, starting on Thursday evening, are designed with a special focus on inclusion, just like the guided tours that have been arranged for the major points of interest and the charming places in Monza. The spotlight will continue to shine from September 11th to 17th when Italy Motor Week will bring road safety and the world of motors to the heart of the city, with events open to all.”

Comments from Redaelli
Lastly, Giuseppe Redaelli, president of SIAS Autodromo Nazionale Monza, spoke: “The commitment shown in swiftly restoring the necessary conditions for holding the GP in the utmost safety after the July 24th downpour has been commendable on the part of the staff and collaborators of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza and the institutions. I want to thank them publicly, also on behalf of the CEO, Alfredo Scala. Over 3,500 workers will be involved in making the Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix a spectacle for the public. The audience will enjoy a renewed Fanzone, where three flagship Ferrari models, some historical Italian F1 cars, and 28 classic cars carrying drivers for the Sunday morning drivers’ parade will be on display. Throughout the day, music and interviews with Formula 1 figures, including drivers and team principals, will entertain visitors in the Fanzone until the grand finale after the checkered flag on Sunday evening. To facilitate the fans’ experience, we have further developed the Monza 100 App, which provides all the information about events and mobility at the circuit. On the front of environmental sustainability, our collaboration with ATS Brianza will continue, collecting unconsumed meals during the weekend and donating them to those in need. Thanks to the Awabot project, in collaboration with the IRCCS San Gerardo Foundation, some young patients will be able to virtually experience unforgettable moments at the circuit. Lastly, there will be a PizzAut stand in the paddock, which will gain international visibility in the eyes of teams and key stakeholders. All of this testifies to how strong and determined our desire is to ensure that, with the upcoming modernization works, the Temple of Speed will become increasingly attentive to social issues and projected toward a future of ever-increasing significance for the Lombard and national economy.”

Information
The 15th round of a Championship so far dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull, the race will take place on Sunday, September 3rd, with the start scheduled for 3:00 PM (comprising 53 laps); on Friday, September 1st, there will be two practice sessions (1:30 PM-2:30 PM and 5:00 PM-6:00 PM); on Saturday, September 2nd, there will be the third practice session (12:30 PM-1:30 PM) and qualifying (4:00 PM-5:00 PM). Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Supercup will also be on track. There will be 31 large screens along the track to ensure that nothing on the circuit goes unnoticed. There will be 24 refreshment points to purchase food and drinks, as well as 10 water points (free) managed by BrianzAcque. Starting from this edition, it will also be possible to bring half-liter water bottles into the venue. From Thursday, the Fanzone will be open in the area located between the straight opposite the pits and the Alta Velocità straight: on August 31st, it will be open to the public from 2:00 PM. From 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Friday, entry will be limited to ticket holders. Tickets can be purchased on the monzanet.it and ticketone.it websites.

During the weekend, Monza will also host the filming of the Formula 1 movie produced by Apple Studios, starring Brad Pitt.
The official program of the event and entertainment activities, safety guidelines for the public, along with recommended parking areas and access routes, are available on the Monza 100 smartphone app, which can be downloaded from digital stores and the website www.monzanet.it. Ferrari Trento, the official Formula 1 toast until 2025, has created a bottle dedicated to Monza as part of the Ferrari F1 Edition collection. To commemorate the 100-year history of the Italian GP, the Trentino-based company, last year, dedicated a special Jeroboam-sized Ferrari Trentodoc bottle, which was auctioned on F1 Authentics after being signed by the winning drivers.