CHRISTMAS TOAST WITH AUTOMOBIL CLUB MILANO COMMISSIONERS
Traditional exchange of Christmas greetings with the Automobile Club Milano sports, technical and route marshals working at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on Tuesday evening at the Sala Regione. The event was attended, among others, by the president of Automobile Club Milano, Geronimo La Russa, who in his speech wanted to recall the fundamental importance of these figures, "without whom there would be no racing," and the president of Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Giuseppe Redaelli, who added how the recent award, obtained at the FIA Awards 2024, the Founding Members' Club Heritage Cup, is also thanks to the professionalism and commitment of the people in charge. After the toast, appointment to the 2025 season.
FIA AWARDS 2024: ACI AND MONZA HONORED WITH THE FOUNDING MEMBERS’ CLUB HERITAGE CUP
Following the renewal of the agreement with Formula 1, which secures the Italian Grand Prix at Monza until 2031, the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) and Autodromo Nazionale Monza have received yet another prestigious accolade. This recognition further underscores ACI’s commitment in its role as the national motorsport federation.
At the 2024 FIA Awards, held in Kigali, Rwanda, ACI and Autodromo Nazionale Monza were honored with the Founding Members’ Club Heritage Cup.
The award, accepted by Giuseppe Redaelli, President of Autodromo Nazionale Monza, celebrates excellence in the promotion and preservation of motorsport heritage. It acknowledges the efforts of the "Temple of Speed" in keeping alive over a century of motorsport history.
The Founding Members’ Club Heritage Cup was awarded to Autodromo Nazionale Monza in recognition of the significant modernization works carried out this year. These improvements have ensured compliance with the latest safety standards while preserving the historical integrity of the circuit.
“I am proud of this award because the Founding Members’ Club Heritage Cup is presented each year by the club of FIA founding members, which includes ACI,” stated Angelo Sticchi Damiani, President of the Automobile Club d’Italia. “This is an important accolade granted to outstanding figures in motorsport or the automotive world, as well as to museums or circuits—like Monza in this case. We are the only ones to have won this award four times since the club was established 20 years ago, during the FIA’s centenary celebrations. This recognition confirms that, on a global level, we are acknowledged for our ability to highlight the extraordinary excellence present in our territory. Specifically, this award for Autodromo Nazionale Monza joins those previously granted for the Mille Miglia, the Mauto-Museo Nazionale dell’Auto in Turin, and the Targa Florio.”
RECOVERED AND DONATED 128 KILOS OF FOOD PRODUCTS AT THE MONZA RALLY SHOW
At the 2024 Monza Rally Show, held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza from December 6 to 8, a total of 128 kg of food products were recovered and donated to various associations and charitable canteens in the Brianza area.
The collection of food products is the result of a memorandum of understanding between ATS Brianza, CSV (Volunteer Service Center of Monza, Lecco, Sondrio), and Autodromo Nazionale Monza, united in pursuing common goals related to health, with a growing focus on high-impact social and environmental aspects.
The coordination of food surplus recovery efforts is becoming increasingly structured and consistent, extending beyond sporting events, such as the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix, to also include corporate events.
Among the items collected during the rally were ready meals, meat, fish, vegetables, bread, fruit, and much more. The recovered food was distributed to about thirty families in severe economic distress, the charitable canteen run by the Friars of the Madonna delle Grazie, and a shelter center in Monza.
MIMO 2025, TEST DRIVE AND EXPO BETWEEN MILAN AND AUTODROMO NAZIONALE MONZA
MIMO, the Milan Monza Motor Show, is back for its 4th edition from June 27 to June 29, 2025. The event will once again feature free admission and open-air exhibitions, key elements of a showcase that blends excitement and innovation between Milan and Monza, with an anticipated attendance of over 200,000 visitors from across Italy.
In front of Milan’s Central Station, at Piazza Duca D’Aosta, visitors will find a dedicated focus on sustainability and road safety—key themes for the automotive sector. Leading automakers will explore these topics during MIMO, presenting models and technologies designed for safer and more environmentally friendly mobility.
At the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, MIMO attendees will experience the thrill of the racetrack and the High-Speed Ring through a packed program of adrenaline-filled activities. Spectators in the grandstands will also have the opportunity to test drive the latest cutting-edge and sustainable models from participating manufacturers.
MIMO 2025 will take place across two iconic locations, Milan and Monza, with dynamic inaugurations marked by the Journalist & Premiere Parade.
On Friday, June 27, brand representatives and journalists will officially kick off MIMO 2025 with the Journalist & Premiere Parade—a procession of product debuts from participating brands that will link Milan and Monza. This journey will unite the innovation of Milan’s urban heart with the magic and excitement of speed at Monza.
Renowned sports journalist Federica Masolin will serve as the event’s ambassador, presiding over the two dynamic inaugurations of MIMO 2025.
Pagani will take center stage at MIMO 2025 with its Arte in Pista program. From June 27 to June 29, owners of Huayra R, Zonda R, and Zonda Revolución models will participate in exclusive track activities, offering the public a glimpse of the pinnacle of technology and innovation in motorsport.
Adding to the excitement, the Monza National Autodrome will host races featuring cutting-edge motorsport technology, including the Indy Autonomous Challenge. Spectators will witness autonomous, driverless Dallara AV-23 race cars compete on various configurations of the legendary track, showcasing the future of racing innovation.
The innovations of MIMO 2025 were unveiled at Palazzo Reale by Andrea Levy, President of MIMO Milano Monza Motor Show, and Federica Masolin, the event ambassador, alongside Martina Riva, Councilor for Sports, Tourism, and Youth Policies for the City of Milan; Carlo Abbà, Councilor for Labor, Commerce, and Productive Activities for the City of Monza; and Geronimo La Russa, President of ACI Milano.
MONZA RALLY SHOW: A GREAT PUBLIC SUCCESS
The Monza Rally Show 2024 proved to be a major success, with over 25,000 attendees gathering at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza over three days to witness the biggest names in Italian and international rally racing. The Masters’ Show was broadcast live on more than 50 TV channels or online platforms, with a total of over 110 media outlets covering the event, reaching a potential audience close to one billion viewers (over 700 million for the live broadcast).
The Masters’ Show, streamed live on Rai Play, ACI TV, and Dazn—with delayed coverage on Rai Sport at 4:45 PM—was won by Adrien Fourmaux, who delivered a fitting farewell to Ford. Driving the Puma, Fourmaux defeated newly crowned world champion Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 N), his future teammate, in the final showdown.
In the Rally 2 category, Andrea Crugnola emerged victorious in the Masters’ Show after clinching his second win at the Monza Rally Show earlier in the day, repeating his 2019 triumph. Driving a Citroën C3 with team E.A. Sport Investment and co-driver Andrea Sassi, Crugnola narrowly defeated Nikolay Gryazin and Konstantin Aleksandrov in the final stage, “Roccolo,” by 8.3 seconds. Despite leading earlier in the day by winning “Autodromo 2,” the Movisport Skoda Fabia RS duo finished just 2.7 seconds behind Crugnola overall.
Third place went to New Zealanders Hayden Paddon and John Kennard (Hyundai i20 N), completing the 151.38 timed kilometers with a 26.6-second deficit.
Motocross legend Tony Cairoli, a nine-time world champion and Monza Rally Show veteran, finished 11th with a time of 2’14”7 alongside co-driver Eleonora Mori in a Movisport Skoda Fabia RS. Meanwhile, cycling icon Vincenzo Nibali, paired with Alessandro Franco, had to retire due to a technical issue with his Toyota Yaris from T-Racing.
The women’s podium saw Rachele Somaschini and Giulia Zanchetta finishing 26th overall in their Hawk Racing Club Citroën C3.
The event also marked the farewell of Pirelli to the WRC, concluding its four-season journey in the World Rally Championship.
The dates for the 2025 edition have already been announced: December 5–7, promising another thrilling chapter at this legendary venue.
FIERCE BATTLE TO CLAIM VICTORY AT THE MONZA RALLY SHOW
A nail-biting challenge unfolded on the second day of the Monza Rally Show, with four different winners across five special stages. Andrea Crugnola, showcasing impressive form, dominated the 11 km of Roggia 2 on frosty roads. However, his leadership crumbled in the next stage, the 33 km Grand Prix 1—the longest of the event—due to an intercooler failure on his Citroën C3. The four-time Italian champion lost precious time, allowing Marco Bonanomi (Skoda Fabia RS) to win the stage and Bostjan Avbelj (Skoda Fabia RS), competing with an Italian license, to take the overall lead.
Avbelj’s lead, however, was short-lived as Sami Pajari, the newly crowned WRC2 World Champion, claimed two consecutive stage wins (Grand Prix 2 and Parabolica 1) in his Toyota GR Yaris, moving to the top of the leaderboard.
In the last special stage, heavy rain added another twist as the Finnish driver struggled with poor tire choices on the slippery track, combined with a series of errors, finishing 12th. The stage win at Parabolica 2 went to Nikolay Gryazin (Skoda Fabia RS), who, alongside co-driver Konstantin Aleksandrov, went to bed as the overall leader. Andrea Crugnola is second, trailing by just 5.9 seconds, while former European Champion Hayden Paddon (Hyundai i20 N) sits third, 7.6 seconds behind. Pajari is fourth but has a deficit of 28.7 seconds.
Tony Cairoli, nine-time motocross world champion, is in 12th place with his Skoda Fabia RS, while Vincenzo Nibali continues his learning process in the Toyota Yaris GR.
The outcome of the Monza Rally Show will be decided in Sunday morning’s final two timed stages: Autodromo 2 (8:00 AM) and Roccolo 1 (10:06 AM), totaling 31 competitive kilometers.
Saturday also featured meet-and-greet sessions in the paddock with WRC stars Dani Sordo (Hyundai), Adrien Fourmaux (Ford), Giandomenico Basso, and former cycling champion Vincenzo Nibali, supported by Radiofreccia, the event’s official radio station.
Sunday morning will see the return of big names like Sebastien Ogier, Jari Matti Latvala, newly crowned World Champion Thierry Neuville, and Tony Cairoli.
At 1:00 PM, the Masters' Show will kick off, featuring WRC stars. It will be streamed live on RaiPlay, Dazn, and ACI TV (Sky channel 228 and Tivusat 52), with a delayed broadcast on Rai Sport (channel 58) starting at 4:45 PM.
MONZA RALLY SHOW: CRUGNOLA LEADS DAY ONE
The first day of the Monza Rally Show ended with Andrea Crugnola in the lead: the 35-year-old from Varese, fresh off his fourth Italian championship title, driving the Citroen C3 shared with Andrea Sassi, won the first two stages, Autodromo 1 and Roggia 1.
On a day marked by mild winter sun, Crugnola, who had already triumphed at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in 2019, posted the first fastest time, gaining 3.5 seconds over the competition. Among the top drivers who managed to keep close were hill climb specialist Luca Tosini with Roberto Peroglio (Skoda Fabia RS) and experienced driver Alessandro Perico (Skoda Fabia RS), alongside Mauro Turati.
Crugnola confirmed himself as the man to beat, posting another fastest time on the Roggia 1 stage, ending the day with a 9.4-second lead over Slovenian Bostjan Avbelj (Skoda Fabia RS), another familiar face in the Italian championship, with Perico following 10 seconds behind. Also, among the top times was that of Nikolay Gryazin, WRC2 driver, who incurred a 10-second penalty for hitting a barrier on the first stage.
In fourth place in the overall standings, 10.4 seconds behind, was Finnish driver Sami Pajari (Toyota Yaris), the new WRC2 World Champion, navigated by his compatriot Marko Salminen.
Also in the top 10 was New Zealand’s Hayden Paddon (Hyundai i20 N), in sixth place, 11.9 seconds behind.
Twelfth was Tony Cairoli (Skoda Fabia RS), while Vincenzo Nibali, driving one of the two Toyota Yaris GRs, was in 43rd place.
The first day saw an exciting moment with the cars lined up in the pit lane for the autograph session, one of the most eagerly awaited events by fans.
Tomorrow will feature five more Special Stages, with the Rally 2 cars starting around 7:30 AM. WRC stars are also warming up for the Masters' Show, with Adrien Formaux (Ford), Dani Sordo (Hyundai), and Jari Matti Latvala (Toyota) all set to compete.
The Monza Rally Show will conclude on Sunday morning after 9 special stages, covering a total of 151.38 km.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at monzanet.it and ticketone.it.
MASTERS' SHOW WILL BE BROADCAST WORLDWIDE
More than a hundred TVs and sites will broadcast the challenge between the WRC bigwigs at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. In Italy live streaming on Dazn and Rai Play. Deferred on Rai Sport from 16:45.
The 2024 Monza Rally Show will have worldwide television and streaming coverage. More than a hundred broadcasters will either broadcast live or package a product on the Masters’ Show scheduled to take place at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza on Sunday, December 8. The Masters’ Show, which will see the WRC protagonists compete, starting with fresh world champions Thierry Neuville and Sami Pajari, will feature the top three finishers in the Monza Rally Show and nine other drivers who signed the best times in the special stages Autodromo 1 and Autodromo 2. Connecting with the Temple of Speed will be Rai:The Masters’ Show will be broadcast live streaming on RaiPlay and deferred from 4:45 p.m. on Rai Sport (channel 58 DTV). The broadcast will also be live streamed on Dazn, while ACI TV will air the event live on Sky channel 288. In detail, there are 29 European TVs, which will follow the last Autodromo Nazionale Monza competition of the year, 3 North American (all live) and 14 from Asia-Pacific (8 live). The formula of the Masters’ Show, which will start on Sunday at 1 p.m., is that the best 4 of the R2s, after the cross-qualifying challenges, will enter the semifinals where there will be, instead, a direct duel for the grand final. As for the R1s, the six crews will be divided into two Italian rounds (the three drivers will compete against each other) and the winners of the two rounds will face each other in the final. Tickets for the Monza Rally Show can be purchased at. www.monzanet.it and at www.ticketone.it.
GIVES AN XMAS GIFT AT FULL SPEED
Kicking off, at 12 noon today, Thursday, Dec. 5, is Operation XMAS GIFT: the Christmas sale of tickets for the two Italian rounds of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship: the Formula 1 AWS Grand Prix of Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna - scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Autodrome in Imola - and the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix of Italy, to be held Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza: the "Temple of Speed."
The Automobile Club of Italy offers, to all fans, the opportunity to put under the tree one of the most original and exclusive gifts: tickets for two of the most anticipated and spectacular sporting events of the World Championship.
Attending a Formula 1 Grand Prix live guarantees unique emotions, which are not limited to the activities proposed by the racing program but are enriched by the many attractions present in the Fanzones.
Tickets can be purchased at autodromoimola.it, monzanet.it e ticketone.it.
