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FORMULA 1™ Gran Premio d'Italia 2007

Location: Monza
Population: 1.6 million (Milan)
Currency: Euro
First Grand Prix: 1950

Timezone: GMT +1
Language: Italian
Religion: Roman Catholic 84%, Jewish, Muslim and Protestant 6%; Visa / Passport Requirements

Why go?

No track gets a Formula One fan's pulse racing faster than Monza. It’s the quickest circuit on the calendar and also one of the most evocative: the old banking - last used in 1961 - is clearly visible, as are some of the old stands.

When you combine the track’s merits with the cultural delights and shopping of nearby Milan, you are left with one of the most alluring races of the season. As well as the city and the circuit, the charms of Lake Como are just a short drive to the north and the Mediterranean coast is only a couple of hours away.

“Milan is undoubtedly a great city,” says Giancarlo Fisichella. “It’s very beautiful, with some great places to see and good food. But there are some great pizzerias in Monza itself and I try to eat in one over the GP weekend.”

Did you know? A staggering 82 Italian drivers have started Grands Prix and two - Nino Farino and Alberto Ascari - have become world champion.

Transport

There are two main airports in Milan: Linate and Malpensa, with the Orio Al Serio airport a 40 kilometre drive from the circuit. Malpensa handles the most international flights, but Linate is closest to the city centre and is the most convenient for the track.

Shuttle buses into Milan operate from all three airports, but the Malpensa Express Train offers the shortest journey. Once in Milan, there are plenty of public transport choices: bus, tram, underground or taxi.

To get to the track, you can either drive or take the train to Monza station, where there are shuttle buses to take you to the circuit.
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Useful tips

Thick woodland in the centre of the track limits the amount of grandstand space at the second chicane and the Lesmos, but there are great seats available at the first chicane, Ascari and Parabolica. Grandstand prices are split into three categories, while general admission has the advantage of letting you visit the more inaccessible areas of the circuit, such as the old banking.

To complete your Monza experience, visit Mr Acquati’s memorabilia and book shop behind the paddock. He has a treasure chest of race-related gems, with something to appeal to every Formula One fan.
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You can keep up to speed with all the action throughout the weekend by hiring a Kangaroo TV handset at the circuit, which offers access to several channels of live video, audio and data content.

Where to go?

Milan has every kind of bar, club and museum you could wish for. The Duomo is the world's fourth-largest church, the Pinacoteca di Brera is the city's leading art gallery and take a look at the San Siro football stadium, home to both AC and Inter Milan. The way to start an evening out is with cocktails at the Piazza del Duomo in the centre of town before checking out the numerous nightspots.

Where to stay?

One of the best places to stay in Monza is the Hotel de la Ville. It’s where the senior Ferrari personnel stay - as well as Fisichella - so it’s suitably plush. Other upmarket options are to be found in Milan, while for those on a more everyday budget, there is plenty of affordable accommodation in the towns surrounding the circuit, most of it aimed around the three-star mark.

There is also a huge campsite on the outside of Monza’s second chicane - the lively Tifosi (the fanatical Ferrari followers) might limit the amount of sleep you get, but the party atmosphere is certainly hard to beat.
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Extended stay

Nearby Lake Como is the choice holiday destination of many celebrities. Actor George Clooney has a place there, and many Formula One VIPs stay there for the Italian Grand Prix, catching a helicopter to and from the track every day. If you like beauty, seclusion and good weather rolled into one, then join them.

The delights of the south of France are not far away either. Many of the Monaco-based F1 fraternity drive to Monza, so you could follow them back after the race, stopping off en route in delightful haunts such as San Remo.

“If I have time to take an extended break during the season, I visit my home town of Rome,” adds Fisichella. “It’s the centre of the world!”
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Enthusiasts only

If the mystique of Monza alone is not enough for you, then head a couple of hours south along the autostrada towards Imola, home of the San Marino Grand Prix. En route, of course, you might want to stop off at Maranello, the home of Ferrari, or perhaps pay a visit to the old racing track in nearby Modena.