Drifting by car, an adrenaline-pumping maneuver for true professionals
Drifting is one of the most adrenaline-pumping and spectacular car maneuvers. If you don't know how to drift perfectly, however, the feat can be quite dangerous, because you lose control of the car. That's why drifting is considered a gesture by true motoring professionals. Not surprisingly, there are sports competitions for drifting champions.
Speed and adrenaline-pumping maneuvers . These are the two main ingredients that make motoring a success, at any level. For lovers of cars and driving, few things are more exciting than a racing car that launches at full speed on the asphalt of a track or that ventures into overtaking and risky maneuvers. And drifting is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular displays of talent in the world of four wheels. A maneuver that has also given life to a real sport and that has been consecrated cinematically by the Fast & Furious film series. So it deserves to be better known.
Cars and cinema: unmissable films
What does “drifting” mean?
The literal translation of the English term drifting into Italian is “ alla deriva ”. In fact, in the drift maneuver, the car seems to drift , because the driver voluntarily loses control of the rear and manages the whole car with only the front wheels. For this reason, it is also called a controlled skid or, in a more slang, a skid . From the outside, the effect that can be seen is spectacular and adrenaline-pumping: the racing car seems to slide off the track , then regain control and go back to speed quickly, having retained much of its speed. This is a very popular rally maneuver, for tackling curves without using the brake too much. Over the years, then, real drifting sports competitions have been established, in which the winner is the one who is more precise in performing the maneuver and gets as close as possible to an obstacle without knocking it down. Furthermore, drifting is also widely used in car shows, such as those performed by professional stuntmen in theme parks and shows.
How to do a car drift maneuver
Such spectacularity corresponds to a notable difficulty in execution . Doing a drift correctly , in fact, is not simple. There are several techniques , which differ from each other especially in the first part of the maneuver, the one that serves to trigger the drift. The simplest is that which involves the use of the handbrake , which is pulled with a firm blow when the curve is reached at speed; then you start to counter-steer and start accelerating again. A variant of this technique is the so-called bridge lock , in which the normal brake is used instead of the handbrake, downshifting and abruptly leaving the clutch once the curve has been set. The most professional technique, however, is the pendulum , which associates an abrupt braking with a decisive counter-steering, carried out with the car launched into a curve at high speed. It should be noted that, given its danger, drifting must only be performed on the track or in large and deserted places , where there are neither people nor obstacles of any kind. Furthermore, you should be aware that this maneuver causes significant tire wear.
Track Days of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza: experience the adrenaline of a real driver
The best machines for drifting
Generally speaking, to be able to perform a drifting maneuver, you need to get behind the wheel of a rear-wheel drive car. With front-wheel drive cars, in fact, you risk being able to do at most a more or less spectacular spin, which is very different from a controlled skid. Even among rear-wheel drive cars, however, not all of them are effective in drifting. It is no coincidence that official competitions use cars specifically designed for this specialty , often derived from road car models.
Sports drifting competitions
On the other hand, the creation of ad hoc car models is the natural consequence of the transformation of drifting into a sporting specialty . The precursor of the sector, in the 70s, was the Japanese driver Keiichi Tsuchiva , considered the father of modern drifting, born within the Japanese Touring Car Championship. Over the decades, the number of competitions has multiplied, even outside the Japanese borders, which however remains the area with the most important events. These are races in which, as already mentioned, the ability of the pilots to drift correctly and their accuracy are assessed, according to strict judgment criteria. Worldwide, the most famous competitions are the D1 Grand Prix (Japan) and Formula Drift (USA and Japan). The Drift Masters European Championship is also very popular with pilots. In Italy, however, the most important race is the Italian Drifting Championship, divided into three categories: Racing Pro, Racing Pro 2 and Street Open.
What to give to a car enthusiast?
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 ".
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 story of the Mille Miglia is to start from its history , which is one of its characterizing elements. 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 to organize it was born from a protest linked to the failure to assign the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix to the city of Brescia, which instead went to Monza and its Autodromo Nazionale . 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 within a set time, without anticipating or delaying.
7 things to know about the Mille Miglia
Even from this brief historical note it is possible to intuit the uniqueness of the Mille Miglia, which from a simple car race was able to transform itself into a myth. To get to know her even better, here are seven things you absolutely must know.
Who invented it
The creators of the Mille Miglia were Giovanni Canestrini, Franco Mazzotti, Aymo Maggi and Renzo Castagneto , nicknamed “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 starts in Brescia , where the finish line is also set. 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 heart of the entire event, since the very first years, has been Piazza Vittoria .
What is the race course
The Mille Miglia route undergoes small changes with each edition, touching different locations in central Italy. The immovable fixed points, however, are the length, which must be around 1600 kilometres , 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 in 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 record number of cars present at the start was recorded in 2017, during the race celebrating the 90th anniversary of the first edition of the Mille Miglia.
How and what to win
Since it is a regularity race, the first prize goes to the person who deviates the least from the established travel time. Arriving early or late, in fact, involves the assignment of penalties. Whoever collects the fewest penalties is the winner and is awarded 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 depart from Brescia and arrive in Cervia – Milano Marittima; in the second stage they will cross central Italy, passing through San Marino and Norcia and arriving in Rome; in the third , instead, they will go up north through Tuscany, until reaching Parma; finally, in the fourth they will compete in some tests on the Varano de' Melegari circuit, to then reach the Autodromo Nazionale Monza via Salsomaggiore and Pavia.
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 scenic beauty. 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. Monza, on the other hand, has its own articles dedicated to it, 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 a mention, that is, those found in the upper Brianza, between Lecco and Como, a very 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 also deserve to be celebrated, such as Pincianèl , a red wine with IGT designation.
Seregno
Another municipality in the Brianza area that should definitely be included in your 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 are certainly the Collegiate Basilica of San Giuseppe , the Barbarossa Tower , 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 palace dates back to the second half of the 17th century, but it was later transformed and enriched over the centuries.
Find out what to eat in Monza and Brianza
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.
What is karting: characteristics and history of a sport with a long tradition
According to the basic definition, karting is that specialty of motorsport which is raced with karts , i.e. small motor vehicles , of which there are several 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, the first real karts were developed in California: compact vehicles, with minimal ground clearance and no suspension, a flexible chassis, rear-wheel drive and an engine with limited power, which however still made them capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h. And the first official karting competition was held in 1959, in Nassau.
Find out more about the Justspeed Monza Karting, the kart track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Karting in Italy
Despite its American origins, karting boasts a long and glorious tradition in Italy , where it arrived 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 realise this, just look at the golden books of single-speed and shifter karting 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 first 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 the engines , 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.
Also very important is the weight (vehicle + driver), which is linked to the driving age and the racing category, as highlighted in the following table.
| Age (years) | Category | Minimum weight (Kg) |
|---|---|---|
| from 6 to 7 | 60 Baby | 85 |
| 8 to 9 years | 60 Baby | 95 |
| 8 to 9 years | 125 Rotax micro | 105 |
| 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 | OKJ National | 135 |
| from 12 to 15 years | 125 Rotax Junior | 145 |
| for 14 years and 6 months | OK National | 145 |
| from 14 years and 6 months | 125 KZ2 National | 175 |
| from 14 years and 6 months | 125 Club | 180 |
| from 15 years | 125 Rotax max | 160 |
| from 15 years | 125 KZ2 | 175 |
| from 17 to 35 years | 125 Prodrivers under | 175 |
| over 35 years | 125 Rotax max over | 168 |
| over 35 years | 125 Prodriver over | 180 |
National and international karting competitions
The number of karting categories means that there are many different karting competitions, both nationally and internationally. On a global scale, however, the most coveted titles remain without a doubt those offered by the FIA karting division , which go under the acronym 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 organised and promoted by the ACI and is called the Italian ACI Karting Championship , organised into 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)
We start with a pair of titles dedicated to a historic race , among the most dangerous and tiring in the world: the 24 Hours of Le Mans . These are two very different films, in terms of type of film and release date, even though they tell a very similar historical period, being both set between the end of the 60s and the beginning of the 70s . The 24 Hours of Le Mans , a 1971 film, was a flop at its debut but has been widely re-evaluated since. 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. The cast includes Matt Damon and Christian Bale.
Rush (2013)
Rush is also the story of an unreconcilable rivalry, this time between two top-level drivers like Hunt and Lauda . The clash between the two characterised the entire 1970s of Formula 1, reaching its peak in the 1976 World Championship , the one of the dramatic accident that disfigured Lauda forever and which Hunt won by just one point, in the last race, right in front of the Austrian.
Fast & Furious (2001)
More than a film, Fast & Furious is a universe, made up of ten feature films, a spin-off, two short films 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. Despite the exaggerations and forced plot, Fast & Furious remains a concentrate of adrenaline that glues you to the seat.
Do you want to feel like a pilot for a day?
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 recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. The film tells the story of Cole Trickle , a young and reckless race car driver, and his rivalry with Rowdy Burnes , who later becomes his friend.
Fast as the Wind (2016)
Among the car films that deserve to be seen there is also an important Italian production, Veloce come il vento , which stars 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 his father's death, he decides to help his sister. Julia to train for the GT Championship.
Grand Prix (1966)
Going back in time, we cannot fail to include among the cinematic pearls dedicated to motor racing the historic Grand Prix , which with its three hours of running time is undoubtedly a cult for lovers of the genre. The plot intertwines the personal and sporting stories of several drivers, ready to battle to win 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 hasn't laughed following the rambling adventures of Herbie the Beetle, who seems to have a soul and a great desire to do things his own way.
Cars - Roaring Engines (2006)
This roundup of films for car lovers ends with another Disney masterpiece, this time in 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.
Books to read for those who love cars
Tickets for the Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix 2022 at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza are on sale
For the GP of the centenary of the Circuit, from 9 to 11 September the fans will return, without limitations to the capacity, on the stands and on the lawn of the Temple of Speed.
Let's go Monza! The sale of tickets for the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix of Italy 2022 scheduled at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza from 9 to 11 September is officially open from today. The traditional "red tide" of the fans will finally be able to fill the stands and the lawn of the fastest circuit of the Formula 1 World Championship with a full capacity.
The race will lead the way to the centenary celebrations of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza , inaugurated in September 1922 and home to the second Italian Grand Prix. The return of the public, with no capacity limits as before the pandemic, will bring back the warmth and color that made the Autodromo Nazionale Monza an icon of F1 in the world.
The show promises to be unmissable. The competitiveness between the teams from the first day of the season, thanks to the new single-seaters on the track, lit the hearts of the fans and showed the high level of competition not only between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen but also among the team mates themselves as George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, in a continuous chase of emotions.
The growing interest in the Monza Grand Prix is evidenced by the numerous booking requests that business customers and important players have already submitted to the Circuit, so as to reach a volume of about 40 thousand accesses already guaranteed and optioned by companies over the weekend of the GP.
Viewers can from today buy tickets on the official website www.monzanet.it by credit card, Satispay or online transfer MyBank, through the Vivaticket reseller on the website www.vivaticket.com, subject to availability in 1,500 Italian and 11 foreign stores (including Dubai, Sydney, London and Singapore) and by telephone at the toll-free number 800-905450, with the assistance of an operator. For post-sales assistance or to receive any information relating to the event, it is possible to contact the mail box.f1monza@vivaticket.com
Both single-day tickets (from Friday to Sunday) and weekend tickets to access the Circuit for three days are on sale, so as not to miss a single weekend emotion. By May 31st, it is possible to take advantage of a discount on both grandstand and lawn season tickets. There are also reductions for children up to 11 years and for ACI members. The members of the Automobile Club of Italy will in fact be able to purchase tickets with a dedicated discount on the website www.aci.it in the next few days .
The week of the Italian Grand Prix will be full of events on the track. Friday 9 September is dedicated to Free Practice, from 14 to 15 and from 17 to 18. Saturday, after the third Free Practice from 12 to 13, the starting grid is established with the Qualifications from 16 to 17. Sunday is dedicated to the race, which starts at 3pm and is preceded by the traditional show of the Frecce Tricolori. The National Aerobatic Team will draw the Italian flag in the sky just before the traffic lights go out. The weekend will also be enriched by three support races. Spectators will therefore be able, with a single ticket, to watch all the different series on the track.
There will also be recreational activities with an entertainment program renewed in content that will allow fans to have fun beyond the track. The maxi screens installed along the track will allow a complete view of the action on the track and behind the scenes, thanks to the connections of the F1 TV correspondents, to those who watch the race from the stands and lawn areas of the Circuit.
The access procedures for fans with mobility difficulties, the disabled and their companions will be published on the website www.monzanet.it. The reception and assistance services will be managed, with the collaboration of the Circuit, by a social cooperative that supports the employment of employees who, for various reasons of hardship, find it difficult to meet the world of work.
Giuseppe Redaelli, President of Autodromo Nazionale Monza, explains: "The return of the traditional enthusiasm of fans from all over the world for the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix of Italy is now a certainty thanks not only to the restoration of the full capacity of the stands and lawn but also and especially the fantastic return to the podium of the Scuderia Ferrari. The show on the track is ensured by the great competitiveness of the Teams which this season are offering continuous emotions to their fans. This year's edition will remain in the hearts of enthusiasts also because we will celebrate the centenary of the construction of the Circuit and at the same time the 150th anniversary of Pirelli which, as a novelty, is the Title Sponsor of the Italian Grand Prix. The weekend will therefore be exciting for the audience present on the circuit, but it will also be a great party for the whole territory, with a program full of entertainment even off the track. It will be a significant sign of thanks also to the institutions and in particular to the Lombardy Region, always attentive and aware of the importance that the Circuit has for Brianza and for the economy of the entire region ».
Alessandra Zinno, General Manager of the Monza National Circuit: «The Italian Grand Prix is of special importance this year for several reasons. Italy will host two races of the F1 World Championship, the only country in the world together with the United States, thanks to the great work of ACI and the passion and willpower of its President, Angelo Sticchi Damiani. The Monza race will then be an unmissable event for motorsport fans because it will take place exactly one hundred years after the first GP hosted by the Temple of Speed. On this important anniversary, we will finally be able to welcome the public with full capacity so as to give back to the National Circuit and Monza what makes it unique for the whole season: the warmth of its Fans. We are working hard to open other stands in the coming months, in addition to those already on sale from today, and collaborating with the Municipality of Monza and the mayor Dario Allevi, whom I want to thank, in order to receive the public in the best possible way. Monza is thus ready to welcome the greatest number of fans, and beyond, of the most attended editions of the Italian GP ».
The Italian ACI Sport championships begin at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza
In the Temple of Speed the debut of five series over the weekend and the second round of the Top Jet F2000 Formula Trophy. The ACI Racing Weekend will be open to the public
It will once again be the Autodromo Nazionale Monza to sanction the seasonal debut of the Italian ACI Sport Championships. As in 2021, the first ACI Racing Weekend in fact, the year will take place in the Temple of Speed, which will host eleven races in six different categories between Friday 22 and Sunday 24 April: Italian Gran Turismo Sprint Championship, TCR Italy, Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, BMW M2 CS Racing Cup Italy , Top Jet F2000 Formula Trophy and Italian Historic Car Championship. Friday will be dedicated to free practice, while Saturday and Sunday will get to the heart of the action with qualifying and races of all series.
The starting grid of the Italian GT Sprint Championship , now in its twentieth edition, has more than 40 crews. The line-up will consist of GT3, GT Cup and GT4 cars, with the drivers competing in two races of 50 minutes plus one lap. Race-1 is scheduled for 6:05 pm on Saturday, while race-2 will start at 3.15 pm on Sunday.
The first points of TCR Italy will also be awarded over the Monza weekend. Among the more than 30 registered drivers, the name of the expert Kevin Ceccon stands out as he will try to win the series after finishing in second place in the standings last season, behind Antti Buri. The Italian, reconfirmed in the Aggressive Team Italia, will drive a Hyundai Elantra N this year. The two races, scheduled for Saturday at 14:45 and Sunday at 11:15, are both 30 minutes plus one lap.
The drivers of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine will also race twice, already protagonists on the Monza circuit at the beginning of April for the preparation tests for the season. Almost 40 cars will be on the grid over the weekend, competing in two rounds of 30 minutes plus one lap, the first at 3:55 pm on Saturday and the second at 2:05 pm on Sunday.
Close duels are also expected in the two 30-minute races plus a lap of the BMW M2 CS Racing Cup Italy one-make championship, which will debut in Monza in the first of the six seasonal rounds of the series. Among the competitors, to note the presence of the driver and influencer Alberto Naska, who will try to overtake his rivals with the BMW Italia Team. The start of race-1 is scheduled for Saturday at 17:05, while for race-2 it will be necessary to wait until Sunday at 13.
The races of the Top Jet F2000 Formula Trophy and the Italian Autostoriche Championship conclude the busy program. For the Top Jet, in its second round of the season after its debut at Mugello, over 40 pilots will take to the track, of which 8 make up the entry list of the Austrian Drexler series. There will be two races, one at 2 pm on Saturday and the other at 10:20 am on Sunday, both of 25 minutes plus one lap.
For the Italian Historic Car Championship , there will be only one race, of 60 minutes plus one lap, which will close the weekend at 16:25 on Sunday and which will see over 20 vintage cars on the track including Porsche, Peugeot, Renault Alpine, Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
The weekend will be open to the public, equipped with a Green Pass, who will be able to access the Autodrome for free and enjoy the races from the stands in the first and second variant. Parking will be free on Friday while it will cost 15 euros for cars and 5 euros for motorcycles, per day, on Saturdays and Sundays. Access to the paddock will be reserved for professionals. The races will be streamed on the official ACI Sport website.
The JustSpeed Monza Karting, located in the internal area of the Alboreto Curve, will also be open for the whole three days of the weekend, with enthusiasts who can have fun on the fast karts of the Autodrome and refresh themselves at the lounge bar installed in the same area. Further information can be found on the website www.monzanet.it .
The cycling champions of the FCI train at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Thanks to an agreement with the Federation, the Circuit becomes a Federal Center of Interest until the end of 2025 for the preparation sessions of the blue team.
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza becomes a Federal Center of Interest for the training of national cycling teams. Thanks to an agreement signed between the Circuit and the Italian Cycling Federation, the Temple of Speed will make the track available to the Italian athletes for training sessions until the end of 2025.
The partnership is particularly important for the Italian time trial team because it will allow national cycling teams to prepare for the European and World Championships, which will be respectively between 11 and 21 August in Munich and between 18 and 25 September in Wollongong. in Australia. The racetrack wants to make training possible in complete safety for the athletes who will bring the colors of Italy to the Championships, giving them complete serenity for training.
The track will therefore be used mainly in the summer months, compatibly with the activities already included in the calendar, by athletes such as Filippo Ganna (2 times world time trial champion and Olympic champion), Jonathan Milan and Simone Consonni (Olympic quartet champions), Elisa Balsamo and Elisa Longo Borghini , respectively world and Italian champion, and the winner of the Amstel Gold Race, Marta Cavalli .
The agreement, signed by the Director General of the Autodrome Alessandra Zinno and by the FCI President Cordiano Dagnoni , also provides for the organization of sporting events and events that will involve the national team.
The presence of the teams will therefore be an excellent opportunity for the promotion of cycling and the dissemination of the values of the discipline, including the principles of inclusiveness and respect for the environment also dear to the Monza National Circuit.
There will not be space only for professionals because, finally after so many months of being unable to access due to the emergency situation, the track will be open during a few evenings during the week in spring and summer to cyclists and amateur runners who wish to spend a few hours on the circuit. improving their performance, also in complete safety. The Circuit will then publish the calendar of access evenings week by week on the monzanet.it website.
Alessandra Zinno, General Manager of Autodromo Nazionale Monza: "While we are completing the launch of the 2022 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix ticket office for our fans and enthusiasts, we also continue to work to differentiate the offer of events and the public who wants live the Circuit. Our commitment led, in the centenary year, to an agreement also with the Italian Cycling Federation. We are looking up at our horizons, enriching the seasonal calendar with other sports disciplines, in addition to the important motorsport weekends. Being able to count on an institutional and prestigious partner such as the Italian Cycling Federation clearly demonstrates the central role that the racetrack is recognized in the sporting world ».
Cordiano Dagnoni, President of the Italian Cycling Federation: «For us it is an important opportunity because in this way our athletes will be able to train in a specific exercise such as individual or team time trials. The racetrack is the perfect environment to carry out racing simulations and tests. We just have to thank the company that manages the structure, ACI, DG Zinno and Marco Velo who had the idea for the realization of this project ».
Dagnoni adds: «Our boys and girls of the Nationals are not used, for example, to train with the time trial bike all together and therefore on this Circuit it is possible to work together and refine. These are details that can be fundamental, in fact I remember that last year at the World Championships in Flanders we won an important medal for a few cents. We will try to make the most of the days and time slots that are also granted to us for the purposes of research and development of materials in view of Paris 2024 ».
Ford W University, real and virtual track driving courses reserved for women
The W University opens the doors of the Monza racetrack to women passionate about racing. Appointment with the drivers of Ford Driving University and with professional sim-racers to learn the secrets of driving on the track, on a real circuit and behind the wheel of simulators.
The event is part of The W Track project, presented by Ford Italia last March 8 on the occasion of International Women's Day, to promote inclusiveness and gender equality in eSports and racing, worlds too often the preserve of men.
MONZA, Italy, April 14, 2022 - Two days of training reserved for women with the aim of getting to know all the secrets of safe driving up close, on a real and virtual track, with the technical advice of the drivers of the Ford Driving University and of professional sim-racers.
The Monza racetrack was tinged with pink for the first stage of the W University (the second will be held on 21 June, again at the Lombard circuit), as part of the project "The W Track" , launched by Ford Italy on the occasion of International Women's Day, last March 8, with the aim of promoting gender equality by opening a universal gateway to eSports, a world that Ford has been overseeing for a few years with the Fordzilla Team.
This team of drivers who, taking advantage of the Blue Oval's heritage in real races, aims to compete at the highest levels even in virtual ones, currently sees only one female exponent in the roster of runners, Sara Stefanizzi (aka Kurolily).
"The fact that there is only one woman in Team Fordzilla is our fault. We know future pro gamers are out there but we haven't looked for them enough. It is clear that we have to do things differently. We cannot win the race without even starting it and for this reason we have decided to take to the track by organizing training days dedicated to women”Says Fabrizio Faltoni, President and CEO of Ford Italy .
The aspiring "pro-racers", 24 participants for each training day, alternate between test sessions on the track, on the legendary Monza circuit, aboard Mustang Mach-E, the first All-Electric SUV of the Blue Oval, and challenges behind the wheel of sim-racing simulators.
With the support of the Ford Driving University team of drivers, participants can experience all the practices related to the safety and control of the car on the track, such as setting the trajectories, handling, braking, oversteer control or dynamic behavior in different driving conditions.
The tests also include a session on board the sim-racing simulators where the participants, under the guidance of professional sim racers, can experience all the secrets and winning techniques to be adopted in the world of virtual racing.
The W University represents the testimony of a concrete commitment that Ford Italia wanted to carry out, beyond the anniversary of 8 March, with the aim of being able to overcome the gender inequality with which women are often forced to confront both in the world of work and in sports, without the possibility of having a winning model of reference available. This is because, in many areas, there is still a constant under-representation of the female world in top positions, with a gender wage gap that seems to have now become physiological.
For more than a century, the Ford brand has been a pioneer in offering opportunities to people, regardless of race, sex, ability, sexual orientation and social class, creating a culture of belonging that has its roots in diversity understood as a plus capable of generate innovation and change.