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
FORMULA 1 PIRELLI ITALIAN GRAND PRIX 2024 AWARDED BY BEA ITALIA FESTIVAL FOR FANZONE AND GRID SHOW
Automobile Club d'Italia, Autodromo Nazionale Monza and FREE EVENT, a company specializing in the organization of events, entertainment and communication, were the protagonists of the Bea Italia Festival 2024, an event that awards the best events of the year. The organization of the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix of Italy 2024 was awarded in the Bea Award Italia along with the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour and the G7 for organizational complexity. Particularly appreciated were the activities in Fanzone such as Driver Engagement, or the meeting of F1 drivers with their fans; the show on the grid with the Inno di Mameli, performed by maestro Francesco Meli and flutist Andrea Griminelli, accompanied by the Band of the Guardia di Finanza and dancers with impressive tricolor flags. Finally, musical entertainment by DJ Set of Meduza. "This award fills us with pride," comments Marco Ferrari, ACI director for sports.
also because we have come out on top among sporting events, and it is the right recognition of Automobile Club d'Italia's professionalism and commitment to organizing an event of global significance such as the Italian Grand Prix. Aware that the spectacle of modern Formula 1 does not end on the track, over the years with our partners we have worked to make the entertainment more and more attractive for fans."
This prestigious award celebrates an extraordinary event with a high level of challenge in terms of logistics, structural management and talent organization. More than 335,000 spectators attended the weekend, held in one of motorsport's most iconic venues, with complex management of environmental regulations. The synergy between ACI, Autodromo Nazionale di Monza and FREE EVENT made it possible to successfully deal with all the difficulties, creating unforgettable moments and celebrating Made in Italy through high-level performances. The Bea Italia Festival 2024 was held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica "Ennio Morricone" in Rome. The award was collected by Vincenzo Lamaro, ACI Sport senior advisor F1. and Andrea Camporesi CEO and Creative Director FREE EVENT.
MONZA TAKES CENTER STAGE AT THE WORLD SPORT TOURISM CONGRESS
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza took center stage at the 3rd World Sport Tourism Congress, organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the Region of Madrid. The event was held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, from November 2 to 29, 2024.
In particular, the President of Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Giuseppe Redaelli, participated in a forum titled "Racing to the Top: Formula 1 Driving Tourism Destination Development." Together with Habib Turki, Chief Development Officer of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and Amaury Bartholomé, President of Spa Circuit, the discussion explored the impact of Formula 1 events on tourism development and infrastructure growth, as well as the opportunities these events create.
Specifically, Redaelli highlighted the unique challenges of managing a century-old racetrack located within a park. He presented initiatives implemented in the areas of sustainability and inclusion, as well as recent upgrades made to ensure the circuit remains modern and competitive. This ongoing effort was rewarded with a contract renewal with Formula 1, securing the Italian Grand Prix at Monza at least until 2031.
FORMULA 1 TO RACE IN MONZA UNTIL 2031
“Great satisfaction for a signature that rewards seriousness, professionalism and the extraordinary commitment of the ACI” was expressed by the president of Automobile Club Italia, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, for the agreement signed with Formula 1, organizer of the World Championship, which will allow the Autodromo Nazionale Monza to host the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at least until 2031. The signing of the contract, after a long negotiation, is the result of the effort made by Automobile Club d'Italia, in its role as national federation, to maintain a date in the calendar of the most prestigious world series. Angelo Sticchi Damiani (ACI President):
"We are proud, as ACI, to have managed to secure six more editions of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza after 2025. This is a great result, the result of the determination, seriousness and professionalism shown by the Automobile Club d'Italia, both in the construction of the works carried out in the first seven months of 2024, to adapt the facility to current standards, and in this complex renewal negotiation. But we must thank the President and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, for the valuable and decisive contribution, which made this extension of the contract possible, and above all the Government, the Lombardy Region, and all the local institutions that have allowed the Italian Grand Prix to attract, over the course of the last editions, an ever-increasing number of enthusiasts. In particular, I would like to underline the essential contribution of the Government and the Lombardy Region, which have invested resources in this over a century-old facility, financing the works carried out this year. Monza, as is known, is the oldest racetrack in the world to host a World Championship event and is the longest-running in the world championship calendar. But we are all aware that history is no longer enough. For this reason, after the resurfacing of the track and underpasses, to ensure greater safety on the track and for the public, we have a new challenge ahead of us for 2025: improving the quality and quantity of the hospitality offering. With this objective, we are already working to stay at the forefront of the standards required by modern Formula 1 “. Autodromo Nazionale Monza: an ancient track with an eye to the future
Built in 1922, Autodromo Nazionale Monza is the second oldest circuit in the world still in operation after Indianapolis and, since it was established in 1950, the Formula 1 World Championship has always been present on the calendar with the exception of 1980. No other facility can boast such a long permanence. Autodromo Nazionale Monza, to keep up with the times, underwent major modernization works in 2024 which involved the resurfacing of the entire track, the expansion of three underpasses and the creation of a completely new one with the aim of improving traffic flow, separating vehicular mobility from pedestrian mobility. This was the first tranche of works: for 2025 Autodromo Nazionale Monza will provide for the improvement of services and the expansion of the Paddock Club with consequent new positioning of the Media Center.
NEUVILLE LEADS WRC STARS AT MONZA RALLY SHOW
Rally enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to get up close to two freshly crowned world champions, Thierry Neuville (WRC champion) and Sami Pajari (WRC2 champion), during the Monza Rally Show, taking place from December 6 to 8, 2024. The Belgian and Finnish drivers will headline the weekend behind the wheels of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid and the Toyota GR Yaris, respectively. Joining them at Monza will be eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier of France, driving the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid, a standout among manufacturers.
Today, Pirelli and the teams participating in the WRC revealed the lineup of drivers who will celebrate the Italian brand’s four years as the sole tire supplier for the World Championship at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The prestigious list includes Spanish driver Dani Sordo (Hyundai) and Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux (Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid). Additionally, Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota Gazoo team principal, will don his racing suit and helmet once more for this special occasion. They will be joined by Pedro, driving a Ford.
Over the three-day event, WRC stars will alternate on the Monza Rally Show track, offering rides to selected guests. On Sunday afternoon, Neuville, Ogier, Pajari (in a Rally2 car), Sordo, Fourmaux, and Pedro will compete in the Masters’ Show on the main straight.
The Monza Rally Show kicks off on Friday, December 6, with the shakedown. The program includes 9 special stages, totaling 154.38 kilometers of timed sections.
Tickets are available on the official website www.monzanet.it, through Ticketone.it,, or at 1,000 physical points of sale across Italy.
A RALLY WITH A ROCK BEAT: RADIOFRECCIA OFFICIAL RADIO PARTNER OF THE MONZA RALLY SHOW
Radiofreccia will be the official radio partner of the Monza Rally Show, taking place from December 6 to 8, 2024, at Monza Circuit. The event will feature some of the top drivers from the WRC, the World Rally Championship, which concluded on Sunday, November 24, in Japan.
A weekend packed with excitement, entertainment, and great music awaits, thanks to Radiofreccia’s DJs broadcasting live from the circuit and sharing the most thrilling moments of the Monza Rally Show.
On Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8, fans can enjoy meet & greets, DJ sets, and entertainment hosted by Radiofreccia's DJs.
“We are thrilled to once again connect our brand with the Monza Rally Show,” says Daniele Suraci, Editorial Manager of Radiofreccia. “This international event perfectly embodies our vision of rock and freedom.”
Radiofreccia is the rock radiovision of the RTL 102.5 family.
In just eight years, Radiofreccia has carved out an important role as one of the most internationally oriented stations in the radio landscape.
True to its slogan, "Libera Come Noi" ("Free Like Us"), Radiofreccia is committed to covering major events, not only in music but also in sports, celebrating shared values of passion and freedom.
Tickets for the Monza Rally Show are available on www.monzanet.it and www.ticketone.it
NIBALI GEARS UP FOR THE MONZA RALLY SHOW
A two-wheel champion getting back in the game for the first time with four-wheelers: gracing the Monza Rally Show, scheduled to take place at theAutodromo Nazionale Monza, Dec. 6-8, 2024, will also be Vincenzo Nibali at the wheel of a GR Yaris R1 T4X4 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Italy team in collaboration with Visit Malta.
The 40-year-old Sicilian is a legend of Italian cycling: in his 18-year pro career he has won all three grand tours, two Giro d'Italia (2013 and 2016), a Tour de France (2014) and a Vuelta (2010), as well as two historic classics (twice the Giro di Lombardia in 2015 and 2017 and a Milano-Sanremo in 2018).
"I have always dabbled with four wheels and now, that I have stopped racing, I cultivate this passion for sports driving. Hence the decision to take part in this new adventure, which is beautiful and special, also physical because it is a car, the Toyota Yaris, which is very demanding, at least from what I have seen in the first tests. Monza then is a historic circuit, where I have often been a guest and which has always given great emotions. I'm sure it will do so again this year," explained Nibali, at the press conference launching his participation held at the Milan headquarters of Automobile Club Milano (from which he obtained a competitor's license).
"For us at TGR Italy it is a great satisfaction to be an integral part of such an important project. Bringing to rally debut a super champion like Vincenzo Nibali will be really exciting and doing it thanks to a partner of excellence like VisitMalta fills us even more with pride. The exclusive context such as the Monza Rally Show will certainly make the experience special. From our side we are looking forward to see Vincenzo on the Toyota GR Yaris in Cup version," added Tobia Cavallini, team principal Toyota Gazoo Racing Italy.
The Monza Rally Show will start on Friday, December 6, and conclude on Sunday after nine special stages, all on asphalt, and 154.38 timed kilometers. In the afternoon, on a 1.5-kilometer track, the Masters' Show challenges, scheduled on the pit straight, which will also feature the WRC cars: the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid, Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid and Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid. The stars of the World Championship will put on a show for all three days at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
MONZA RALLY SHOW: REGISTRATIONS OPEN UNTIL NOVEMBER 29TH
The season finale at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza will take place in style: the Monza Rally Show is scheduled for December 6-8. The competition is open to R2 cars, which will compete on 9 special stages , all on asphalt, for a total of 154.38 timed km, including those of the initial shakedown. Requests to participate must be submitted by November 29th via the Rallyenter.it portal and ACI Sport. The protagonists of the WRC , the World Rally Championship, which will conclude over the weekend in Japan, will also be taking part in the event. The Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid, Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid and Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid will put on a show for all three days at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza and will then compete on Sunday afternoon in the Masters' Show, scheduled for the main straight. The Monza Rally Show is promoted by Pirelli in collaboration with WRC Promoter, FIA and Autodromo Nazionale Monza and celebrates four years of the manufacturer as the sole supplier of the WRC. The entrance ticket to the Monza Rally Show 2024 costs 14 euros for Friday, 20 euros for Saturday and 25 euros for Sunday. It is possible to purchase a season ticket for all three days for 42 euros. The ticket includes free access to the paddock and all the grandstands. Dedicated rates are also available for under 24s and over 65s. Tickets can be purchased on monzanet.it or directly through the official reseller on the Ticketone.it website and in almost 1000 physical points of sale located throughout Italy. Entrance is free for children up to 6 years old and for disabled people. The companions of disabled people and children between the ages of 7 and 11 can enter for a cost of 1 euro. In addition, tickets with a dedicated rate will be available for ACI members. Tickets can be purchased directly at the circuit ticket offices during the days of the event or in advance at the Monza Circuit Shop.
8th SPECIAL RALLY CIRCUIT BY VEDOVATI CORSE: 79 TEAMS AT THE START
A total of 79 teams took part in the scrutineering today for the 8th Special Rally Circuit by Vedovati Corse at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. Among the entries are 15 teams in the Over 55 category, 6 Under 25, 3 Under 18, and an equal number of female teams. Of the cars entered, 29 are Rally 4, along with three WRC Plus and one WRC 2000, all Citroën: the first three are driven by the teams Zambon-Romei, Zanasio-Brusa, and Sabbatini-Pasini, while the WRC 2000 features Swiss drivers Puricelli-Menchini.
Mauro Miele will drive the Skoda Fabia for BlueThunder Racing. Miele made history as the first Italian to win the Motocross World Championship in 1979, and more recently, he claimed the WRC2 World Championship in 2022. Piero Longhi, meanwhile, will co-drive for Stefano Ruoppolo in the Skoda Fabia Evo of PA Racing.
In the female category, Sara Carra stands out. The runner-up in the 2024 Italian Rally Championship Women's Cup will co-drive for Under 18 Luca Di Marco in a Renault Clio from the Casarano Rally Team.
Also taking part is Venetian driver Filippo Barberi, a key figure in TCR Italy and winner of a TCR Spain event with the Audi RS3 of Aikoa Racing. He will be behind the wheel of a Skoda Fabia for the same team.
Today was dedicated to free practice and the Shakedown session. Tomorrow, Sunday, November 17, the event will feature four Special Stages, all on asphalt, covering a total of 86.8 kilometers of timed stages, starting at 8:31 AM and concluding at 4:30 PM.
Entry to the circuit and paddock is free, with paid parking available on Sunday.