Redaelli: «GP 2022 data heralds an incredibly successful edition»

Giuseppe Redaelli, Chairman of Autodromo Nazionale Monza: «We are proud that the Chairman of the Italian Tennis Federation has chosen the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monza as a reference: he confirms that it's a great sporting event followed in the 5 Continents. And we are even happier that in Italy also other events equal and overcome our successes, because they are a tangible element of the sporting excellence of our Country and of the role, also economic, of Italian sport. The sport is in solid recovery, after two dramatic years of COVID, as witnessed by the data for the Formula 1 GP in Monza in 2022 to be held next September and which - we highlight - already mark a clear improvement also compared to 2019 and therefore herald an edition of formidable success, precisely in the year in which the centenary of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is celebrated. It should also be remembered that the running of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, as in previous years, is carried out with the sole resources of ACI, which notoriously does not receive any form of public subsidy, net of a partial contribution guaranteed by the Lombardy Region ".


race thousand miles

Mille Miglia, the most beautiful race in the world told in a nutshell

History and curiosities about the Mille Miglia, the car race that has turned into a race for vintage cars, without losing its charm. An evocative competition, which takes place between Brescia and Rome, along a path of about 1600 kilometers through central Italy.

Mille Miglia is perhaps one of the most evocative names in motoring, especially in Italy . It entered the common language as a symbol of a race with epic contours , a race that perfectly mixes sporting spirit, passion for engines and extravagance. Not surprisingly, the Mille Miglia is considered one of the most beautiful races in the world and every year attracts hundreds of drivers and enthusiasts from all over the world. But how was this famous appointment born? How has it evolved over the years? What curiosities does it hide?

The history of the Mille Miglia: yesterday and today

The best thing to do to tell the Mille Miglia is to start from its history , which is a characterizing element. The life of this car race can be divided into two major phases: that of the actual race and that of the historical re-enactment . The first phase goes from 1927 , the date of the debut edition , to 1957 (with two pauses, in 1939 and between 1941 and 1946). In recent years the Mille Miglia is characterized as a long distance car race , which begins and ends in Brescia , crossing along the route of about 1600 kilometers (equivalent to 100 imperial miles) most of central Italy, up to Rome . The idea of organizing it stems from a protest linked to the failure to assign the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix to the city of Brescia, which instead went to Monza and its National Autodrome . A disappointment from which a fantastic story was born. The second life of the Mille Miglia , on the other hand, began in 1977 and continues today. The event has turned into a historical regularity race in stages , which sees fascinating vintage cars parade along a route that traces the original idea and goes from Brescia to Rome and back. The goal is to complete it in a set time, without anticipating and without delaying.

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7 things to know about the Mille Miglia

Already from these brief historical notes it is possible to guess the uniqueness of the Mille Miglia, which from a simple car race has been able to transform itself into a myth. To get to know it even better, here are seven things you absolutely need to know.

Who invented it

The creators of the Mille Miglia were Giovanni Canestrini, Franco Mazzotti, Aymo Maggi and Renzo Castagneto , renamed “the four musketeers”. Of this poker of aces, however, the most active promoter of the race was certainly Castagneto, then president of the Automobile Club Italia of Brescia.

Where does it start and where does it come from

As mentioned, the Mille Miglia kicks off in Brescia , where the arrival is also fixed. For the Lombard city, the race is a historical symbol of great value, an event around which the whole city colors and comes alive. The beating core of the whole event, from the earliest years, is Piazza Vittoria .

What is the race course

The route of the Mille Miglia undergoes small changes with each edition, going to touch different locations in central Italy. The immovable fixed points, however, are the length, which must be around 1600 kilometers , that is a thousand imperial miles, and the passage through Rome .

Which historic cars can participate

Only historic cars produced before 1957 and of which at least one example took part or was registered in the original Mille Miglia can participate in the current version of the Mille Miglia.

How many cars participate

There is no minimum or maximum number of participants allowed . The car record at the start was recorded in 2017, on the occasion of the race that celebrated the 90th anniversary of the first edition of the Mille Miglia.

How and what to win

As this is a regularity race, the first prize goes to whoever deviates the least from the established travel time. Arriving early or late, in fact, involves the assignment of penalties. Whoever collects fewer penalties is the winner and wins the first prize, symbolic but very prestigious: a cup that faithfully reproduces that of the classic Mille Miglia .

When the Mille Miglia 2022 will take place

The 2022 edition of the Mille Miglia will be number 40 since the race was reborn as a historic car race. The competition will take place from 15 to 18 June . In first stage , the competitors will start from Brescia and arrive in Cervia - Milano Marittima; in second stage they will cross central Italy, passing through San Marino and Norcia and landing in Rome; in third , instead, they will go up north through Tuscany, until reaching Parma; finally, in the fourth will compete in tests in the circuit of varano de 'Melegari, to then reach the Autodromo Nazionale Monza via Salsomaggiore and Pavia.

Gift ideas for Formula 1 fans


What to see in Brianza (besides Monza): 5 tips not to get lost

There are many things to do and see in Brianza, the heart of Lombardy. In addition to Monza, in fact, the area holds a historical, artistic and naturalistic heritage of inestimable value. From the Adda to the Brianza lakes, from Montevecchio to Seregno, passing through places of undisputed value such as the Arese Borromeo palace. In this article, a short guide for tourists to Brianza not to be missed.

Italy is dotted with places rich in history, art and landscape beauties. Some are well known and told everywhere. Others, however, rarely conquer the limelight, but they are no less suggestive. Brianza is among the latter, even if an ever-increasing number of tourists choose it as a destination for short trips or longer holidays. This historic area of Lombardy, in fact, offers those who visit it a plurality of things to do and see . Itineraries suitable for all needs and different tastes, which allow you to discover a territory with a long and glorious history. Monza is undoubtedly the main attraction of Brianza, but around the historic city there are many other must-see places. The following list lists five, without claiming to be exhaustive. In Monza, on the other hand, separate articles are dedicated, given its importance:

The Adda, the Leonardo ferry and the ecomuseum

The Adda river is one of the symbols of Brianza and you cannot visit this area without dedicating some time to it, also because it offers many ideas. For example, within the Parco dell'Adda Nord there is the Ecomuseo Adda di Leonardo , divided into 18 stages along the river, with the aim of enhancing its natural resources and encouraging sustainable development. One of the main attractions of the Ecomuseum is the Leonardo ferry , which connects the two banks of the watercourse, that of Lecco and that of Bergamo. What's special about it? It is a ferry without an engine, which walks using only the force of the currents. For those who love outdoor activities, the Adda offers a fantastic cycle / pedestrian path .

The Brianza lakes

Still on the subject of naturalistic attractions, the Brianza lakes deserve to be mentioned, that is, those located in the upper Brianza, between Lecco and Como, a short distance from Monza. It is a series of five small lakes of glacial origin (Alserio, Pusiano, Montorfano, Segrino and Annone) immersed in lush vegetation and surrounded by fascinating landscapes. An ideal area for a quiet picnic or a mountain bike excursion .

Montevecchia

Montevecchia is a small but precious village perched on the hills of north-eastern Brianza . A small jewel that houses numerous prestigious monuments, such as the sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Carmelo or the Villa Albertoni Agnese . Furthermore, the town is at the center of a beautiful hilly landscape, which can host long and healthy walks. Finally, the food and wine delicacies, such as Pincianèl , a red wine with the IGT denomination, deserve to be honored.

Seregno

Another municipality in Brianza that must necessarily be included in one's travel itinerary is Seregno . It is a much larger and more populous town than Montevecchia, but whose historic center preserves a unique and ancient flavor. Among the most important monuments there are certainly the Collegiate Basilica of San Giuseppe , the Torre del Barbarossa , the Sanctuary of Santa Valeria and the Abbey of San Benedetto .

Arese Borromeo Palace and Garden

Cesano Maderno , a town in the province of Monza and Brianza, houses the Palazzo Arese Borromeo , with its suggestive garden. An enchanting place, where art, history and culture meet. Behind the austere façade, the building hides an incredible wealth of frescoed rooms. Likewise, the well-kept outdoor space is populated by statues and fountains. The original structure of the building dates back to the second half of the 1600s, but has since been transformed and enriched over the centuries.

Find out what to eat in Monza and Brianza


go kart sport

Karting, the sport that shapes future drivers

Karting races are often a training ground in which the young generation of motoring is trained, destined to become great drivers of cars or motorcycles. On board the go-karts, inside a kart track, you can experiment and increase your skills on the track. Karting, however, is not the younger brother of Formula 1, but a full-fledged motorsport, with its championships and adrenaline-pumping challenges.

There is one thing that unites the racing past of many great Formula 1 champions, from Senna to Verstappen, and that is karting . Racing on go-karts , in fact, is the first approach that aspiring drivers have with the track and with speed. The kart track is a kind of gym that you can start attending at a young age (you can start at 6). For this reason, karting is much more than a race aboard curious "machines", but a real sport , with its rules and its international competitions, and above all with great competitive value. So it's worth getting to know him a little better.

Become a pilot for a day

What is karting: characteristics and history of a sport with a long tradition

According to the basic definition, karting is that specialty of motorsport that is raced with karts , that is, small motor vehicles , of which there are different variants. The characterizing element, therefore, is the means used, which has a very particular aspect. The first go-kart prototype dates back to 1956 and is the work of Art Ingels , American racing car builder and Kurtis Kraft technician. In his intentions, that machine was to be just a pastime for his little son. Instead, it turned out to be a powerful intuition, capable of writing unforgettable pages in the world of engines. In fact, as early as 1957, they were developed in California the first real karts : compact vehicles, with minimum height from the ground and without suspensions, flexible chassis, rear-wheel drive and an engine with limited power, which however makes them capable of going up to a speed of 100 km / h. And the first official karting competition was organized in Nassau in 1959.

Find out more about the Justspeed Monza Karting, the kart track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Karting in Italy

Although its origins are American, karting boasts a long and glorious tradition in Italy , where it arrived already in 1957 and where today there are numerous kart tracks . The first exhibition of a kart took place on the track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza , while the production of these vehicles in Italy is closely linked to the name of Nicolò Donà delle Rose , a pioneer in the sector. Over the years, then, “made in Italy” drivers and teams have distinguished themselves for their successes on the track at an international level. To realize this, it is enough to scroll through the golden books of single -speed kart and shifter kart competitions.

All the karting events of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Kart types and race categories

The aforementioned distinction between single-speed karts and shifter karts is a prime example of how different types of karts exist. Differences that are also reflected in the competitions and the age of the drivers who can drive the various vehicles.

Another fundamental distinction is that relating to motors , which can be:

  • 4 times;
  • 2 stroke 100 cm³ racing;
  • 2 stroke 125 cm³ racing family KF;
  • 2 stroke 125 cm³ KZ family;
  • 125 cm³ TAG family.

The weight (vehicle + driver) is also very important, which is linked to the driving age and the race category, as shown in the table below.

Age (years) Category Minimum weight (Kg)
6 to 7 60 Baby 85
from 8 to 9 years 60 Baby 95
from 8 to 9 years 125 Rotax micro 105
from 9 to 12 years 60 Mini 110
from 9 to 12 years 125 Rotax mini 115
from 12 to 15 years OKJ Cadets 135
from 12 to 15 years National OKJ 135
from 12 to 15 years 125 Rotax Junior 145
for 14 years and 6 months OK National 145
for 14 years and 6 months 125 National KZ2 175
for 14 years and 6 months 125 Club 180
for 15 years 125 Rotax max 160
for 15 years 125 KZ2 175
from 17 to 35 years 125 Prodriver under 175
over 35 years 125 Rotax max over 168
over 35 years 125 Prodriver over 180

National and international karting competitions

The large number of kart categories means that there are many different karting competitions, both nationally and internationally. On a world scale, however, the most coveted titles undoubtedly remain those offered by the FIA karting division , which go under the name of FIA Karting World Championship (single race). Similar speech for the European panorama, dominated by the FIA karting European Championship (tournament with several races in different countries of the old continent). In Italy, however, the most important trophy is organized and promoted by the ACI and is called the Italian ACI Karting Championship , organized in 8 different classes (some with 3 races, others with 5).

The complete guide to the Italian ACI Karting Championship


Racing car movies: 10 unmissable titles for those who love cars and engines

The cinema is full of movies dedicated to cars. From dramatic films to cartoons, many have tried to tell the golden world of racing cars and to return the adrenaline that is experienced on the track to the big screen. In the long list of automotive films, however, there are some truly unmissable titles for those with a passion for motors. Here is a selection, obviously not exhaustive.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans (1971) and Le Mans '66 - the great challenge (2019)

Let's start with a couple of titles dedicated to a historic race , one of the most dangerous and tiring in the world: the 24 Hours of Le Mans . These are two very different films, by type of film and by release date, even if they tell a very similar historical period, being both set in the late 60's and early 70's . The 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans film was a fiasco in its debut but was extensively re-evaluated afterwards. The protagonist is the legendary Steve McQueen , a true lover of engines, who here plays the role of Michael, one of the participants in the 1970 race. In Le Mans '66 - The great challenge, on the other hand, at the center of the scene is the mythological rivalry between Ford and Ferrari , for the victory of the 1966 race. In the cast, the names of Matt Damon and Christian Bale stand out.

Rush (2013)

Rush is also the story of an incurable rivalry, this time between two top-level riders like Hunt and Lauda . The clash between the two characterized all the 70s of Formula 1, reaching its peak in the 1976 World Championship , that of the dramatic accident that disfigured Lauda forever and that Hunt won by only one point, in the last race, right in front of the Austrian.

Fast & Furious (2001)

More than a movie, Fast & Furious is a universe, made up of ten feature films, a spin off, two shorts and an animated series. The twenty-year saga, entirely focused on the world of clandestine racing , has been able to gather around it a large number of fans and enthusiasts and has helped launch the career of Vin Diesel , inextricably linked to these productions. Net of the exaggerations and the forcing of the plot, Fast & Furious remains a concentrate of adrenaline that sticks to the armchair.

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Days of Thunder (1990)

A great cast, in which the names of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman stand out, and a great direction, that of Tony Scott , are the ingredients of the success of Days of Thunder , a film that has just turned 30 years old. The film tells the story of Cole Trickle , a young and reckless racing driver, and his rivalry with Rowdy Burnes , who later became his friend.

Fast as the Wind (2016)

Among the films of cars that deserve to be seen there is also an important Italian production, Veloce come il vento , starring Stefano Accorsi . The actor plays the role of Loris De Martino , the heir to a family of track champions, who from a rally champion has turned into a drug addict with no future. For him, the opportunity for redemption comes when, after the death of his father, he decides to help his sister Giulia train for the GT Championship.

Grand Prix (1966)

Going back in time, one cannot fail to include the historic Grand Prix among the cinematic pearls dedicated to motoring, which with its three-hour duration is undoubtedly a cult for lovers of the genre. The plot sees the intertwining of the personal and sporting stories of different drivers, ready to do battle to conquer the 1966 Formula 1 world championship .

Crazy Beetle (1968)

A completely crazy beetle , the famous Disney film, is undoubtedly of a completely different tenor compared to the drama of the Grand Prix, but it is nonetheless a film that made history. It is very difficult, in fact, to find someone who has not laughed following the rambling events of the Herbie beetle, who seems to have a soul and a great desire to do his own thing.

Cars - Roaring Engines (2006)

This roundup of films for car lovers ends with another Disney masterpiece, this time in a cartoon version. The protagonist of Cars is Lightning McQueen (the tribute to Steve McQueen seems evident), a young and enterprising racing car who dreams of taking part in the Piston Cup, the most important race in the world. On his way, however, he will find numerous obstacles, to overcome which he will need many friends.

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