GIVES AN XMAS GIFT AT FULL SPEED
Starting today, Thursday, Dec. 5, at 12 noon, XMAS GIFT kicks off: the Christmas ticket sale for the two Italian Formula 1 World Championship events of 2025. These include the Formula 1 AWS Gran Premio del Made in Italy e Emilia-Romagna, scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, and the Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio d’Italia, taking place on Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the “Temple of Speed.”
The Automobile Club of Italy offers fans a chance to give one of the most original and exclusive gifts this holiday season: tickets to two of the most highly anticipated and spectacular events on the World Championship calendar.
Attending a live Formula 1 Grand Prix promises unmatched excitement, with experiences that extend beyond the race itself and include the many attractions at the Fanzone.
Tickets can be purchased at autodromoimola.it, monzanet.it e ticketone.it.
Halo system in Formula 1 | A revolution for driver safety
The introduction of the Halo system in Formula 1, protection that has changed the way drivers deal with the risk of serious injury, is proof that safety has always been a key priority in motorsport. Over the years, technology has helped make tremendous progress in this area, and this system represents one of the most significant developments in recent years.
What is the Halo system?
The Halo system is a driver's head protection device that was made mandatory in Formula 1 in 2018. It is a titanium structure surrounding the top of the cockpit designed to protect the driver's head from side or frontal impacts during an accident. The Halo System was developed to meet specific safety requirements, specifically to protect against debris that may enter the head area or impacts with other vehicles. Its minimalist but robust design initially drew much criticism from riders and fans, but its effectiveness was later widely demonstrated.
The benefits of the Halo system in Formula 1
The introduction of the Halo system has had a positively significant impact on the safety of Formula 1 drivers. The device was designed to withstand incredible forces, up to 12 tons, without compromising the driver's visibility or agility while driving. Thanks to this system, it was possible to significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries by providing unprecedented protection. In addition to physical protection, Halo has also helped change the mindset in motorsport, pushing for continuous improvement in car safety.
Take the course to become a responsible pilot
Romain Grosjean's miraculous rescue
A glaring example of the effectiveness of the Halo system occurred during the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2020. Driver Romain Grosjean, on board his Haas, had a terrible accident; after Daniil Kvyat's AlphaTauri touched his single-seater, the French driver crashed into the barriers, leading the No. 8 VF-20 to break into two parts, with the front one enveloped in a cloud of fire. Although the vehicle was destroyed and on fire, Grosjean managed to save himself thanks to the integrity of the car's survival cell, reinforced by the Halo system. This incident demonstrated without a shadow of a doubt how crucial the system is for safety. The driver was able to exit the vehicle on his own, without head damage, and suffered only minor hand burns and injuries. The incident received worldwide media attention, with many recognizing the critical role of the Halo system in protecting the pilot's life.
Gran Turismo Automobili, the myth hidden behind the GT abbreviation
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at Monza.
Another example of the effectiveness of the Halo system occurred just during the 2021 Italian Grand Prix. In this race, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were involved in a spectacular accident, with Verstappen's Red Bull landing on top of Hamilton's Mercedes. Fortunately, both drivers managed to emerge unharmed thanks to the adoption of the Halo system, which prevented the direct impact from damaging Hamilton's head. This incident further confirmed the value of the device in protecting Formula 1 drivers, even in seriously dangerous situations.
An essential device for pilot safety
The Halo system has been a real revolution in the safety of Formula 1 drivers. Since it was introduced, it has saved several lives, protecting drivers during accidents that could have been fatal without it. While initial criticism was about its aesthetics, today it is undeniable that the Halo system is one of the greatest safety achievements in motorsport.
9 interesting facts about the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza and Formula 1
PAJARI, PADDON AND CRUGNOLA: CHAMPIONS AT THE START OF THE MONZA RALLY SHOW
A world champion, the one from WRC2, a European champion and the fresh 4-time Italian overall rally champion: Finland's Sami Pajari, New Zealand's Hayden Paddon, the first non-European in 2023 to boast the continental title, and Andrea Crugnola from Varese, from 2022 master of the tricolor where he had already imposed himself in 2020. These names are already enough to give an idea of the caliber of the participants in the Monza Rally Show scheduled at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza from December 6 to 8. In addition to the three aforementioned drivers, who will be at the wheel of Toyota Yaris GR, Hyundai i20 N Rally 2 and Citroen C3 RALLY2 respectively, fans will also be able to admire other heavy names in Italian and international rallying: e.g. Nikolay Gryazin (Skoda Fabia Rs), who ended the WRC2 World Championship on the third step of the podium after winning the final race in Japan, or CIAR protagonists such as Slovenian Bostjan Avbelj, who races with an Italian license aboard a Skoda Fabia Rs Rally2, already champion of the 2023 Promotion tricolor series, and Alberto Dall'Era (Volkswagen Polo). Among the crews, symbolizing the racing dynasties, Matteo (21) and Luigi Fontana, grandson at the wheel and grandfather (76), already an excellent rally driver, at the reading of the notes: they will be on board a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Also at the start is Alessandro Perico, another strange name in the national rally scene and the Monza Rally Show: the 48-year-old will line up in a Skoda Fabia RS. Also at the start will be Rachele Somaschini, testimonial of the Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation and winner of the 2024 European Rally Tour: in Monza she will be at the wheel of her C3. There will also be no shortage of champions who move from the steering wheel to reading the notes, such as Piero Longhi, former tricolor champion in the past, who will navigate Stefano Ruoppolo (Skloda Fabia) or Luca Rossetti, who will sit next to Pietro Porro (Toyota Yaris). As is tradition at the Monza Rally Show, other sports champions such as Vincenzo Nibali, the Shark, who is one of seven cyclists to have won at least one edition of the three Grand Tours: the Vuelta (2010), Giro d'Italia (2013-16) and Tour de France (2014), are among the entrants. The Sicilian will be at the wheel of a Toyota Yaris GR R1 T4x4.
And there is no shortage of racers on the list either: Kevin Gilardoni, star of the Italian GT Championship with Lamborghini, who will drive a Citroen C3 here; Marco Butti, also involved in GT Endurance with Honda, and entered here in another C3. Among the protagonists of the TCR Italy, he lines up, instead, the Venetian Filippo Barberi, who from the Audi RS3 switches on this occasion at the wheel of a Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2. The Monza Rally Show includes, in addition to the shakedown, 9 special stages for a total of 154.20 timed km. The top three finishers plus the 9 drivers with the best times in PS Autodromo 1 and Autodromo 2 and the top two finishers in the Yaris Trophy will take part in the Masters' Show which is scheduled for Sunday, December 8 on the main straight. Tickets can be purchased at www.monzanet.it e ticketone.it