A quick, and I promise quick, sidenote this time on getting to the track. We figured, oh it is only like 10 of 15 km outside of Milan, and there is an extensive train system, this should be easy. Well let’s just say after three days of trying to get to Monza, we are seriously rethinking our respect for the organizers at Spa. While Spa had its slow point, you ALWAYS know where you needed to go. In Italy, it was a vacuum of information. Looking at all the race websites, then the train websites, none of them had clear info. What ticket you needed to buy, which of the two main stations to leave from, which station in Monza to go to, was there a need for a shuttle once you get there, did that cost anything? Needless to say we figured it all out.
One of the cool parts of riding the train was chatting with other race goers. That was actually how we found out some info, and then shared what we had learned with others. We met a great guy from Sao Paulo who we actually saw all three days. We met a lovely British couple over for the race, and actually saw them on two different days, plus a handful of others either at our seats or just walking around. So that was pretty cool.
They have been racing cars here since 1922, and Monza, along with Spa, was on the original calendar for the Formula 1 world championship when it started in 1950, and every year since. Over the years, the track has changed somewhat, often to make it safer and/or to slow the cars down for the same reason. But one of the biggest changes and one of the things that made the original Monza very special was that it was basically two tracks in one. The track was a combination road circuit (what the current track is based on) and a high speed banked oval, and as you came down the main straight from one part, it would put you right onto the other. This high speed oval had banking that would rival the highest of banking at any US oval race track. Because of this, the cars of the day that had NO aerodynamics, were about to maintain frighteningly high cornering speeds.
They stopped using the banking way back at the end of the 1969. Between the speeds they achieved, the rough road surface, and the lack of any real barricade between you and many unforgiving trees should you go off course, it was just too dangerous. But thankfully, like a page out of racing history, all of that banking still exists today, and if you are lucky, you can venture out onto it as I did. It is quite breathtaking and SO SO steep. A true sight to be seen.
Laura and I made it to the track for most of the first practice on Friday. There was pretty much open seating that day, which is great as it lets you see the track from many different points. I really wanted to get a look at the Ascari Chicane. This is a fast left, right, left bit of the track and really demonstrates the remarkable grip and change of direction that an F1 car has. You watch how fast they go through there and can’t help but think that they should just fly off the track, but nope. They just cut right through like they are on rails.
Friday concluded with a bit more walking around and just taking in the sights of a track that I have seen so many times on TV, just seeing bits and pieces in person was very cool.
Saturday we arrived and took up our proper seats overlooking the Prima Variante (the first chicane). This is a VERY tight right hand turn and then back to the left toward the end of the main straight. I remember one driver once describing it as flying at 220 mph down the highway and then slamming on your brakes and turning into your driveway. That about summed it up.
A good thing about this however for viewing was that lots of passing is likely to occur here, and because they have to go so slow, Laura can pick out all the cars (or at least the ones she cares about) and even keep track of their positions in the race. So it was a win for all. And it is impressive the amount of cars that she can identify. So proud!
Saturday qualifying was reasonably uneventful. The majority of the locals are backing the red cars, the Ferraris. They were not tops but were respectable starting 4th and 5th for the race. Our favorite, Lewis Hamilton, had a bit of a problem. He got stuck in some traffic and failed to get out of the second qualifying session, so he would be starting 12th. And as we come to often expect, Sebastian Vettel was on pole again.
Sunday’s race was great fun. The weather had cooperated. It cooled off and provided some cloud cover. There was even the threat of rain, which would have really made things fun, but it only sprinkled a little about 30 minutes before the start of the race and ended up not impacting the race at all.
I, of course, broke out the red shirt. When you are at Monza, best not to fight the masses but rather just fit in and enjoy it. They had their HUGE Ferrari banners out and were setting off red flairs. It was all on!
The race provided some good excitement. They avoided any big turn 1 disaster, which is good and bad. Nice to keep all the drivers in it, but a little carnage is fun from time to time also, as long as no one gets hurt. There was a decent amount of passing on track along with some clever pit strategies to affect some position changes.
At the end, it was another Vettel win, not surprising. He was in control most of the race. Alonso had pulled his Ferrari up into 2nd, which made the Tifosi (Ferrari fans) happy, with Mark Webber coming in 3rd. Our friend Lewis, after starting 12th, finished 9th.
Just like at previous races, as soon as the race is over, the fans are allowed onto the track. Monza is special, because the winner’s podium is actually in a position where it is almost over the track. The thousands and thousands of fans who have rushed the main straight are under the podium and in range of the champagne spray. It makes for some pretty impressive pictures.
We were not at all that fast to get to the track. But we made our way down and headed for the start-finish line on the main straight. I was sure took take a bunch of pictures of all the excitement. Definitely a very cool experience.
When we had seen all there was to be seen, we just started walking around the track. The train station we were leaving from was out at Lesmo 1, over a third of the way around on the back side of the track. So what better way to get there then just walk the track? With one finally look, we were off to wait for the train home.
Another true classic checked off the list. These were two places, when I first started watching Formula 1, which I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be able to visit. And now within the span of two weeks, I have been to both.
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