christmas in monza

Christmas in Monza, all the events and initiatives of the 2022 holidays

During the Christmas holidays, Monza lights up with numerous events and initiatives. For those arriving in the city as a tourist, therefore, there are many possible things to do, including markets, Christmas villages, walks in the historic center lit up and visits to the main monuments. Here are some tips. The Christmas season is coming, there is no way to pretend nothing is happening. The streets of all the most important Italian cities begin to be colored with decorations and themed lights and the shops begin to display decorations based on snow, elves and Santa Claus puppets. There are still several weeks to go, but everything is ready to celebrate the holiday season . It is time, therefore, also to plan any trips , made easier by the holidays and the closure of schools. And what better time than Christmas to rediscover the beauties made in Italy ? Not surprisingly, even Monza and Brianza, during the days ranging from Christmas to the Epiphany, are filled with tourists. This is why a short and updated vademecum that indicates the most important Christmas events among those scheduled in the city can be useful. A guide that answers the fateful question: What can you do at Christmas in Monza?

Find out what to do and what to see in Monza (apart from Christmas)

The Christmas markets in Monza

The first answer brings to mind a great classic: the Christmas markets , an unmissable traditional event. And Monza is no exception. From the end of November until the Epiphany, there are numerous opportunities that the city of Brianza offers its inhabitants and tourists to stroll among crafts and food and wine stalls. The first initiative on the calendar is Christmas Experience , an exclusive Christmas market hosted inside the Royal Villa of Monza , a place with a unique charm. The event is scheduled for 26 and 27 November , from 10 to 19 . Also from 27 November, the Christmas Village , the historic open-air market of Monza, returns to Piazza Carducci and Piazza San Paolo, with its load of stands and attractions for adults and children. Open until January 6th, every day (9.30am-7.30pm), the Christmas market also hosts the Magic Tree , a spectacular ten-metre high carousel .

The Christmas attractions of the historic center

Also very evocative are the rides in Piazza San Paolo (a faithful replica of a 19th century model, with wooden horses and carriages) and in Largo Mazzini (an electric train on rails), in addition to the Ferris wheel in Largo IV Novembre (open every day, 10am-12am). Another little train then crosses the entire historic center (departing from Piazza Roma ), immersing Monza residents and tourists in the beautiful city decorations. In Piazza Trento e Trieste , on the other hand, there is an ice skating rink : over 300 square meters for enthusiasts and amateurs. Christmas in Monza, however, is not concentrated only in the main streets but spreads throughout the districts, with sweet houses, attractions and lights. And for children who want to meet Santa Claus , there are two appointments:

  • on 19 December at 4.30 pm at the Parchetto via Luca della Robbia ;
  • on 20 December at 4.30 pm at the Varisco Park.

Discover the Christmas gift ideas for men signed by Autodromo Nazionale Monza

The other Christmas events in Monza and surroundings

Finally, here is a list (updated) of Christmas initiatives in Monza and its surroundings, suitable for adults and children:

  • Santa Claus Village in the Bellusco donkey : a real Christmas village, set up from November 27 to January 8 inside a farm, populated by elves and other magical creatures and animated by workshops for children;
  • The Christmas Village of Cavenago : a magical place, open from November 26 to December 18, with an ice skating rink, artisan markets, shows and many tasty sweet and savory delicacies;
  • Track Days at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza : on November 20 and 27, the Temple of Speed welcomes those who want to experience the thrill of a lap on the track aboard a real racing car; two days of Track Days with some special surprises (find out more here ).

Christmas holidays, an opportunity to discover Monza and Brianza

To enjoy Monza at Christmas, however, it is not necessary to dive into the colorful chaos of organized events. More simply, you can let yourself be conquered by the city and its beauties , taking advantage of the holidays to visit it. Decorated with Christmas lights, the historic center of Monza and its symbolic monuments acquire an even greater charm. Christmas, therefore, can simply become a good excuse to visit beauties such as:

 

The original contents of this article are produced by an external service without any involvement of the press office of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.


team building activity

Corporate team building activity, 3 winning ideas to make a group

Corporate team building activities have long been widespread among companies in every sector. Through team building events, in fact, it is possible to work on the harmony and motivation of employees, enhancing the so-called human resources of the company. The important thing, however, is to find the right idea, the one that manages to keep fun and effectiveness together. Here are 3 ideas for successful corporate team building. Those who work in human resources know it well: creating a positive climate among the company's employees is essential to allow them to work at their best and be productive. In fact, a motivated worker who feels part of a project that enhances him is naturally led to commit more, to contribute ideas and energy to the good running of the company, to collaborate with colleagues in a profitable way. An advantage for everyone: for the company, which will see its productivity grow, and for the worker, who will not experience the time spent in the factory or office with frustration. But how are these positive results achieved? The modalities are obviously manifold. An important role, however, is played by the so-called corporate team building activities , that is, initiatives aimed precisely at cementing employees, motivating them and helping them to form a group. Like many of the innovations in entrepreneurship and human resource management, corporate team building events originated in the United States but soon spread around the world. In Italy, for many years now, the HR departments of the largest and most innovative companies have been carrying out periodic team building activities aimed at all employees or specific sectors . More and more often, in the personnel offices, there are professionals who are specifically dedicated to organizing these initiatives and are always looking for new ideas and ideas for team building . Of course, there are many possibilities. At least 3, however, have an extra edge and deserve to be tried at least once.

Escape room, only those who play as a team win

The first idea for a successful corporate team building is the escape room , a group game that is now very popular and widespread in all the main Italian cities. Technically, these are rooms (or perhaps it would be better to talk about labyrinths) from which it is possible to escape only by solving chain puzzles . There are many different types of escape rooms . What changes is above all the setting : from horror to science fiction, there is no suggestion that has not been explored by the creators of these game rooms. What does not change is the fundamental ingredient needed to pass the test: the harmony of the group. From an escape room you can only go out together, if you are a team. And this is precisely the reason that makes this format particularly suitable for corporate team building initiatives .

Adventure park, to make groups in the open air

Another activity much loved by human resources managers is a journey through an adventure park . And even in this case, the variety of the offer generates the embarrassment of choice. Around Italy, in fact, there are many equipped parks that offer the opportunity to try your hand at adventurous paths , including suspension bridges, launches with lianas and walls of rope to climb. All tests that allow you to test your resourcefulness and that, if lived in a group, are also a valid test of harmony and empathy . With a significant addition: carrying out team building activities outdoors, immersed in nature, contributes to the psychophysical well-being of the participants.

Track ride in the Temple of Speed, the adrenaline that makes you grow

Escape room and adventure park, however, are now quite widespread team building activities, almost overused. Many companies, on the other hand, like novelty, the idea that displaces, which represents something unique for their employees to experience. And here, then, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza comes to the rescue with one of its most requested driving experiences : the “ Hot Laps ”, organised by Puresport . It is a truly unrepeatable experience: whizzing on one of the most famous tracks in the world aboard real racing cars, Gran Turismo or Formula 1 single-seaters. All this, supported by professional pilots . A team building activity of this type guarantees indescribable emotions and a full of adrenaline. It is impossible not to be enchanted by the exclusivity of the location and the vibrations of a magical place.

Find out more about Hot Laps


Arengario di Monza, guide to the discovery of the ancient town hall

The Arengario of Monza is one of the symbolic places of the city. Formerly the seat of the town hall, the medieval town hall now hosts important art exhibitions and events. A short guide to learn more about its structure and history. The Arengario of Monza , located in the heart of the historic center , is one of the symbolic monuments of the Brianza city and deserves to be included among the points of tourist interest. And its history also deserves to be known, albeit briefly. In fact, the events that over time have transformed and shaped the old town hall of Monza , today the site of important exhibitions, tell us a lot about the medieval history of Italy.

Plan your visit to Monza following the right advice on what to see and what to do

A brief history of the Arengario: why it is called that and what it was used for

As in every self-respecting story, however, it is best to start from the beginning, that is, from the construction of the Arengario . According to the most accredited reconstructions (which must be trusted in the absence of certain data), the construction of the famous palace began towards the end of 1200 . A dating that seems to be confirmed also by an inscription above the entrance door, which refers to the year 1293 (expressed in Roman numerals). The then powerful mayor of Monza, Pietro Visconti , wanted the birth of the Arengario. But why did he build it? What was the Arengario used for? The triggering reason was the contrast between the power of the podestà and that of the church . Until the 13th century, in fact, the magistrates and the podestà used the curtain wall of the Cathedral for their activities, as they did not have a civil building that could house them. In 1250, however, the mayor was struck by excommunication and his stay near the main religious building in Monza became unwelcome. A confirmation of this struggle between civil power and religious power also comes from the place where the Arengario is located, a few steps from the Duomo, which it is also physically opposed to. At this point, however, it is legitimate to ask why the name of Arengario was chosen for the new town hall . What does this term mean? This is a word borrowed from German, meaning “ meeting place ”, to indicate the fundamental function carried out by the building, as the seat of the municipality, the court and the merchants.

If you like cycling, visit Monza by bike

Structure and characteristics of the Palazzo Comunale of Monza

From the point of view of its structure and style, the Arengario is clearly inspired by the Palazzo della Ragione in Milan , built in the first half of the 13th century. The overall layout is longitudinal, with an open porch on the lower floor and a large covered room on the upper floor. Unlike the Milanese building, however, the town hall of Monza is flanked by an imposing bell tower . Furthermore, it should be noted that the current appearance of the Arengario does not correspond to its original state. In fact, between the end of the 1800s and the beginning of the 1900s, major renovations were planned and carried out, with a consequent reduction in the spaces of the complex, which previously also included the Palazzo Pretorio (demolished). A second major restoration project took place at the end of the 1960s, with the aim of supporting the Arengario's exhibition vocation.

Monza for children: find out more

The exhibitions of the Arengario

It is no coincidence that today the ancient town hall of Brianza is the venue for very important art exhibitions and events organised by the municipal administration. The permanent collections that it previously housed, on the other hand, have been transferred to the Civic Museums. To find out in real time about the exhibitions present in the Arengario, you can consult the website of the Municipality of Monza .

Visit the Arengario: contacts, where it is, how to reach it

As anticipated, the Arengario is located in the historic center, precisely in Piazza Roma . It is therefore easily reachable on foot from any of the other tourist sites ( Monza Cathedral and its Museum , Villa Reale , Monza Park ). The structure is open to the public every day, except Mondays, from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 7pm . For information, please call 039 329541 .

You can't pass through Monza without visiting the Autodromo Nazionale: discover all the guided tours

 

The original contents of this article are produced by an external service without any involvement of the press office of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.


Italian ACI Karting Championship, the complete guide

The Italian ACI Karting 2022 Championship will officially kick off on May 22nd. In this short guide, all the information you need to follow the highest national competition for kart drivers. From the calendar to the circuits involved, from the titles up for grabs to the competition methods. Like every year, the Italian karting world is preparing to experience its most important national competition, that is, the 2022 Italian ACI Karting Championship . Five events scattered throughout Italy, hosted in circuits that will see the best kart drivers compete. There are ten titles up for grabs, divided over numerous competition categories. Here's everything you need to know about this competition if you're a kart racing fan.

Discover JustSpeed Monza Karting, the kart track of the Monza racetrack

The regulations of the Italian ACI Kart Championship

Let's start by taking a look at the essential elements of the Championship regulations (which are available in full at this link ). In particular, it is interesting to see the list of admitted classes and the titles up for grabs that pilots can aspire to win.

Admitted classes and titles up for grabs

The following national classes are admitted to the Italian ACI Karting Championship:

  • 125 KZ2
  • MINI Gr.3
  • 60 Minikart
  • 125 KZN (Under - Senior)
  • IAME X30 Junior
  • IAME X30 Senior
  • Junior ROK
  • Senior ROK

Consequently, the titles up for grabs are as follows:

  • Italian Karting Champion 125 KZ2 Drivers
  • Italian Karting Championship Conductors 125 KZ2 Under 18
  • Italian Karting Champion MINI Drivers Gr.3
  • Italian Karting Champion Drivers 60 Minikart
  • Italian Karting Champion 125 KZN Drivers (Under - Senior)
  • Italian Karting Champion IAME X30 Junior Drivers
  • Italian Karting Champion IAME X30 Senior Drivers
  • Italian Champion Karting Junior ROK Drivers
  • Italian Champion Karting Senior ROK Drivers
  • Italian Female Karting Champion

How the competitions take place

Each event of the national championship includes two races , the first longer than the second. The starting grid of Race 1 is established by the races of the eliminatory phase. In Race 2, on the other hand, the first eight positions correspond to the inverse of the arrival order of Race 1 (in essence, the first classified part eighth, and vice versa). The final score won by the driver is the sum of the points collected in each race . It should be noted, however, that the various appointments on the calendar do not all have the same weight. In fact, some circuits are assigned a coefficient of 1.5 (Pista Salentina and Pista Sette Laghi), which must be multiplied by the score obtained by the driver in that stage.

The calendar of the Italian Kart Championship and the circuits involved

At this point, the time has come to discover the calendar of the 2022 Italian ACI Karting Championship , the main thing that every motorsports lover wants to know, in order to follow his favorite challenges. Regarding the number of races, the Championship provides for a distinction based on categories. For some, in fact, there are 5 appointments, for others 3. In both cases, however, the map of the circuits involved crosses all of Italy. Here is the complete list of dates and tracks:

  • May 22, 2022 - Franciacorta Karting Track - Castrezzato (Brescia)

Categories: KZ2, MINI Gr.3, 60 Minikart, KZN, X30 Junior and Senior, Rok Junior and Senior. The results

  • June 26, 2022 - Salento track - Ugento (Lecce)

Categories: KZ2, MINI Gr.3, 60 Minikart, KZN, X30 Junior and Senior. The results

  • 24 July 2022 - 7 Lakes Runway - Castelletto di Branduzzo (Pavia)

Categories: KZ2, MINI Gr.3, 60 Minikart, X30 Junior and Senior, Rok Junior and Senior. The results

  • 28 August 2022 - Naples International Circuit - Sarno (Salerno)

Categories: KZ2, MINI Gr.3, 60 Minikart, X30 Junior and Senior, OK and OK-Junior (single round). The results

  • 25 September 2022 - Kartodromo Val Vibrata - Sant'Egidio alla Vibrata (Teramo)

Categories: KZ2, MINI Gr.3, 60 Minikart, KZN, X30 Junior and Senior, Rok Junior and Senior. The results

Discover JustSpeed Monza Karting, the kart track of the Monza racetrack

 

The original contents of this article are produced by an external service without any involvement of the press office of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.


monza city center

Discovering the historic center of Monza, an unmissable jewel

The historic center of Monza preserves some of the artistic and cultural treasures of the city of Brianza. In a few square kilometers, walking along well-kept streets, you cross centuries of history, letting yourself be conquered by symbolic monuments such as the Cathedral, the Tower of Teodolinda, the Arengario and the numerous churches scattered throughout. The historic center of Monza, therefore, is undoubtedly among the things to see if you decide to visit the area. If you are planning a visit to Monza , for one or more days, you should definitely include a walk through the historic centre in your calendar. In fact, this is undoubtedly the best way to get to know the city of Brianza , its history, its artistic heritage and its cultural background. In particular, there are some points in the historic center of Monza that cannot be ignored. Here is a short itinerary so you don't get lost. strico monza center

The Duomo complex

This virtual tour cannot fail to start from the beating heart of the city: the Monza Cathedral , with all that it houses. In fact, inside the minor Basilica of San Giovanni Battista (this is its real name) there are some of the most precious pieces that Monza has to offer to tourists: the wonderful Theodolinda Chapel, theArcimboldo's Tree of Life, a rich series of prestigious frescoes , the Iron Crown and the Treasure Museum and Cathedral of Monza .

Find out what to eat in Monza

The Arengario palace

Just over 100 metres on foot from the Duomo, stands the other symbol of Monza: the Palazzo dell'Arengario , the ancient town hall. Its importance is also confirmed by its strategic position, as it overlooks Piazza Roma , the nerve center of the city, from which all the main streets branch off. Today, the building is used as an exhibition space , while the ancient collections that filled it have been transferred to the nearby Civic Museums , housed in the Casa degli Umiliati .

The Civic Museums of Monza

The distance between the Arengario and the Museums is truly minimal, less than 300 metres, once again passing close to the Duomo. To confirm that walking around Monza is very easy. The building where the museums are located was an old reception house for lay members of religious orders . Today, the two floors of the building house both archaeological finds and paintings from the 16th to the 20th century , as well as temporary exhibitions .

The Longobard Tower, the Teodolinda Tower and the Viscontea Tower

If, leaving the Civic Museums, you head towards the Lambro river , you have the opportunity to admire two towers, which are also very characteristic. They are the Lombard Tower , the only one from that period still intact, and the Tower of Teodolinda , from the Middle Ages. Also along the Lambro is the 19th century Torre Viscontea , but moved further south, approximately 500 metres from the other two.

What to do in Monza

The Ponte dei Leoni and the remains of the Ponte d'Arena

Near the Tower of Teodolinda, it is also possible to admire the Ponte dei Leoni , the most famous of those that cross the Lambro river. It was built in the mid-1800s, with the intention of enhancing the Austrian Empire. To make room for it, what remained of the old Ponte d'Arena was demolished, much larger but already partially destroyed by a flood, the last remains of which are still visible.

The churches and other monuments of the historic center of Monza

Finally and in no particular order, some other places of historical and artistic interest deserve to be mentioned, such as the monument to the fallen located in Piazza Trento e Trieste . The same can be said for the numerous churches scattered throughout the city, such as Santa Maria in Strada , San Maurizio (where legend has it that the nun from Monza took her vows), Santa Maria al Carrobiolo and San Pietro Martire .

Experience the emotions of a driver on the track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza


Safe driving, a course to become responsible pilots

Taking a safe driving course to learn how to drive responsibly is a great idea. The important thing, however, is to be clear about what safe driving means and what are the characteristics that a course must have to be really useful. Here are some tips for future riders with their heads on their shoulders. Having a driving license in your pocket doesn't mean you're a good driver . Likewise, being technically capable behind the wheel does not necessarily imply that you are able to carry your car or motorcycle safely . It often happens, in fact, to meet people who are exceptionally capable of controlling their car, perhaps even speeding at high speed or in unfavorable conditions, however, precisely because of this excess of confidence, they act in a truly unsafe manner , both for themselves and for any passengers or road users. Safe driving , therefore, is a very different concept from sports driving or driving skills, and to do it you don't have to be a professional driver . It is no coincidence that there are real theoretical and practical courses to learn how to drive safely , open to anyone with a driving license.

Do you want to become a real car driver?

What is meant by safe driving

To be more precise, the definition of safe driving includes a variety of skills . Some have to do with technical aspects of car or motorcycle driving, while others have particular cognitive abilities. In short, safe driving means:

  • Ability to control the vehicle in situations of poor grip with the road surface (such as in the case of wet asphalt or covered with ice)
  • Ability to control the vehicle in poor visibility situations (fog, heavy rain and the like)
  • Ability to prevent dangers and to behave in order to avoid or overcome them
  • Ability to self-assess one's driving ability (omitting to get behind the wheel if too tired or not perfectly lucid)

How it works and how much does a safe driving course cost

To learn the basics of driving safety , the best way is to take a safe driving course . There are many on the market, some even officially organized by the ACI , at different locations. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza also frequently hosts events dedicated to safe driving. However, to choose the right course and not be attracted only by advertising, you need to pay attention to the program, which must mix both theoretical lessons and practical exercises in a balanced way. In addition, a serious safe driving course must include basic concepts from various fields : physics of movement, physics of materials, electronics, sociology, psychology. Only a multidisciplinary approach, in fact, can provide that complete overview of the car (or motorcycle) and of oneself that is necessary for driving safely.

Discover all the events of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza


endurance races

Endurance races, when motorsport becomes endurance

Endurance races for cars are long-lasting competitions, even up to 24 hours, which require drivers to have a particular stamina. They are raced aboard Touring, Gran Turismo, Sport or prototype cars. In some cases, these are competitions that have made the history of motoring, such as the Mille Miglia or the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Usually, the first association that comes to mind when talking about car racing is speed . Racing cars that devour the asphalt at over 300 km / h, drivers who attack the curves as if they never want to brake, single-seaters that whiz under the stands so fast that they are almost invisible. These are the images that the word motoring evokes to mind. Yet, there are competitions in which speed is not the most important variable , but where resistance counts, the ability to push beyond one's limits and stay behind the wheel for hours and hours, grinding kilometers after kilometers. It's the crazy world of endurance racing .

What is endurance in sport and motoring

In reality, the term endurance is not a peculiarity of motorsport . There are endurance specialties in many sports, such as cycling, running or horse riding. The English word, in fact, translates into Italian as “ resistance ” and is used to define all those races that have a particularly long duration and which therefore require athletes to make a notable effort over time.

Find out more about regularity races

How endurance car races work and how long they last

Currently, in motor racing, endurance races are held exclusively on tracks , inside racetracks that guarantee high levels of safety. A single endurance race of this type can last up to 24 hours . In the past, in addition to track races, endurance road competitions were also planned, held in streets open to traffic. Their high danger, however, has led to their progressive cancellation or transformation into track races. The heirs of those old road endurance competitions are the current rallies , which however have very different rules and methods of execution (and are not included in the endurance races).

Endurance machines

Obviously, to be able to face such particular competitions, suitable machines are needed. From an aesthetic point of view, endurance cars wink at Formula 1 single-seaters . They are light (up to 850 kg), equipped with powerful engines (even higher than 1000 horsepower) and therefore capable of exceeding 200 km / h. Generally speaking, endurance cars can be divided into four categories :

  • Touring , designed and built in series for road use and adapted to racing;
  • Gran Turismo , designed and built in limited numbers and adapted to racing;
  • Sport
  • Prototypes

The most important endurance races for cars

Among the endurance competitions of the past, there are some that have truly made the history of motor racing, such as the Mille Miglia (which now exists only in the form of a historical re-enactment) or the Targa Florio (the oldest, today become a rally). Among the races that are still held, however, we cannot fail to mention the 24 Hours of Le Mans , which is also a stage of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) . The latter is today the international competition par excellence in the sector. Since 2012, it has been managed by the FIA and includes 6 races (which also include the 6 Hours of Monza and the famous 6 Hours of Spa ), open to Sports Prototype cars (LMP1 and LMP2) and Gran Turismo cars (GTE-Pro and GTE-Am), to which the very powerful Hypercars have been added since 2021. Other internationally renowned endurance races include the Nurburgring 24 Hours in Germany, the Bathurst 12 Hours in Australia, the Daytona 24 Hours and the Petit Le Mans in the United States .

Buy tickets for the 6 Hours of Monza


bike monza

Monza by bike, 4 itineraries not to be missed to discover the city and Brianza

A short guide to find out where to cycle in Monza and Brianza. Four cycle tourism itineraries suitable for all ages and training levels. A different way, slower and more aware, to discover some of the beauties of Monza: from the National Circuit to the Park, from the historic center to the Lambro river. Cycling you learn and discover.

Monza and Brianza are places rich in history, culture, art and nature, which can be visited on a bicycle . For this reason, in the area, cycling is an increasingly present reality. A travel modality that is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime, because it helps you to enjoy things with greater slowness and depth . There are many possible itineraries to travel by bike , in Monza and its surroundings, just as there are many services that are offered to tourists who love to pedal, starting with the rental of public bicycles . Below, 4 proposals to tour Monza and Brianza by bike, suitable for all ages, needs and training levels. Happy riding!

Pedaling and adrenaline: bike tour on the track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Have you ever imagined being able to ride a bicycle around the famous Autodromo Nazionale Monza track ? It seems like a dream but it is reality. The Temple of Speed, in fact, on certain days of the year, opens its doors to amateur and professional cyclists who wish to take a tour of the track on two wheels. A unique emotion, which brings cycling enthusiasts to test themselves on a truly special asphalt, full of history and adrenaline.

Find out more about the Bike on track initiative

Immersed in nature: discover the Monza Park by bicycle

The Monza Park, which is part, together with the Royal Villa , of the Royal Palace complex, is a place of indisputable charm, which has nothing to envy of the more renowned Versailles. The largest fenced park in Europe, in fact, hosts a multiplicity of tourist attractions, for adults and children. And the best way to get to know and visit Monza Park is by bicycle , which can also be conveniently rented on site .

Find out more about the Monza Park

Between history and art: cycling in the historic center of Monza

The The historic centre of Monza is an elegant living room, a treasure chest that holds pearls of beauty such as the Monza Cathedral with its Museum of Treasures , the Teodolinda Tower or the numerous and evocative churches . Everything is gathered in a small square of a few square kilometers, almost flat. An ideal situation to try cycling tourists and visit the monuments and places of interest by cycling. By the way, pedaling makes you hungry and you will have an excuse to taste the specialities of Brianza cuisine .

Read also: What to do in Monza and What to see in Monza

The Lambro ring: getting to know the river on a bike

You cannot visit Monza without paying homage to its true lord: the Lambro river. And cycling is really the best way to approach this encounter. There are several cycling routes that run along the Lambro and allow you to get to know other areas of Brianza. Which one to choose? It all depends on your level of training and how much time you want to spend on the bike. One of the most interesting, however, is undoubtedly the circular tour that leads to Verano Brianza and back ( detailed route here ). A real ride in the heart of Brianza.

All the races and events of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza


road test

Test drive, a fundamental test before buying a car

With test drives, car dealerships give customers the opportunity to test the car they want to buy through a road test. The test drive, therefore, is a fundamental step in choosing a new car, because it allows you to know its driving characteristics and to understand if you are comfortable behind the wheel. But how does a test drive practically work? How long does it last? Does it have a cost? An in-depth study to find out more.

Buying a new car (but also a used one), especially for those who are passionate about engines, really represents a crucial moment. You have to decide the car manufacturer and then the model and a thousand other details that will make the car that will come out of the dealership unique. Beyond the more or less important details, what really matters when you are about to make such a special purchase is to understand the driveability of the new car . Driving, in fact, is not a merely technical question, but a skein of emotion and rationality, of gestures to be done mechanically and vibrations that are felt to the skin. So, to dispel any doubts, it's best to book a nice test drive .

What is a test drive

Literally, the English expression test drive translates to “driving test” , also better known as “ road test ”. In reality, however, a few differences emerge if we thoroughly investigate the use that the motor industry makes of the two terms. The "road test" formula, in fact, is usually used by newspapers that deal specifically with engines to report the columns dedicated to reviews of new cars, made after a test drive that takes place "on the road". The test drive , on the other hand, refers to the possibility that car dealerships give potential customers to test the car they intend to buy, taking a short test drive . Finally, in some cases, events during which you have the opportunity to drive famous cars, such as Ferrari or Lamborghini, also take the name of test divas, even within official circuits. Adrenaline-filled experiences very similar to track days, which also take place at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Find out more about Track Days

How it works and how the test drive takes place in the dealership

Returning to the classic concept of test drives, it is interesting to know how they work , which follows a fairly standard script, with some variations depending on the dealership that carries them out. Usually, these are activities organized by appointment , in which the customer takes part, who gets to drive, and the car showroom consultant, who occupies the passenger seat and indicates the route to follow. The test, in fact, takes place on a public road open to traffic , near the dealership. It is important to note that in the event of an accident , you are still covered by the dealer's insurance.

How long does it last?

The duration of the test drive varies , but usually ranges between 20 and 30 minutes , an adequate amount of time to give the future buyer the chance to understand what sensations he receives from the car while driving and to become familiar with the spaces and controls.

How much?

Since the purpose of the purchase is to buy the car, the dealership has every interest in granting the test drive to the potential customer. For this reason, as a rule, this type of road test is totally free . In fact, some car dealerships organize periodic test drive events to let anyone interested try out the cars.

Realize your dream of becoming a driver in the Monza Autodrome


Regularity races for cars, when precision counts more than speed

In regularity races, both for historic cars and for modern cars, it is not important to be the fastest but the most precise. In fact, during a regularity race, set times are communicated to the driver and navigator to complete the various sections of the route. In addition, it is necessary to maintain a fixed average pace. Here's how they work and who can participate. When you think of a car race, you tend to imagine four-wheeled racing cars hurtling across the asphalt at full speed. In reality, however, this is not always the case. In some races, in fact, the real goal is not to be faster than others by launching at hundreds of kilometers per hour, but to be more precise , sliding along the entire course with the regularity of a metronome. These are the so-called regularity races , a world that deserves to be better known.

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What are regularity races

By definition, in the world of motorsports, regularity races are those competitions in which participants are required to complete various sections of the route in predetermined times . The route is marked in a Road Book , which is given to all crews. Furthermore, for the entire duration of the race, the cars must be driven at the indicated average speed (usually 50 km / h). The lengths of the regularity races are quite variable, between 80 and 300 km in total, sometimes even divided over different and consecutive days. Depending on the vehicles that are allowed to participate, regularity races are divided into:

  • Classic Regularity , with cars in original trim, on public roads;
  • Sport Regularity , with cars in sport trim, on closed routes.

Each category is then further organised into races for historic cars and races for modern cars .

Regularity races for historic cars; who can participate

Regularity races for historic cars are reserved for cars that are over thirty years old , therefore registered before 1992. To participate in competitions of this type it is necessary to obtain a regularity sports license from the ACI , which requires the following requirements:

  • possession of driving license B;
  • the possession of a sports medical certificate for the performance of competitive activities;
  • attendance of a specific theoretical-practical course.

Furthermore, the vehicle must be certified as a historic car and must therefore be equipped with a specific identity card , issued by CSAI or ASI, which certifies its conformity with the original model.

Regularity races for modern cars: who can participate

Regularity races for modern cars, on the other hand, are all those in which cars under 30 years old (therefore registered after 1992) are allowed to participate. The rules for entry are identical to those seen for historic car races, with the exception of the vehicle certification form, which in this case is not required.

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How a regularity race works

The functioning of a regularity race varies from competition to competition. There are, however, some elements that return, such as those concerning the composition of the crew, the presence of special stages during the journey, the timing of the time and the criteria for composing the final classification. As for the crew , this is composed of two people :

  • the driver , who drives the car;
  • the navigator , who has the extremely delicate task of managing the Road Book and giving the driver the right information.

From the point of view of the route , however, there are two relevant elements. The first concerns the departure. At the start, in fact, the cars are started staggered , with a cadence that is usually one vehicle every 30 or 60 seconds. The other important feature is the presence, along the route, of special stages, that is, stretches of road that must be covered in pre-established times, with precision to the hundredth of a second. To delay or to anticipate means to collect penalties. Finally, as regards the final ranking, weight is usually also given to the age of the vehicle , to ensure an advantage to the older ones, since they are the most difficult to drive.

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