Monday, August 11, 2008

FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO SANTANDER D'ITALIA (MONZA circuit)



Monza

Race Date: 14 Sep 2008
Number of Laps: 53
Circuit Length: 5.793 km
Race Distance: 306.720 km
Lap Record: 1:21.046 - R Barrichello (2004)




Monza is regarded by many as the embodiment of Formula One racing. Not only is it a fantastic example of a track that combines speed with skill, it also has a heart and soul all its own. It has seen some of the finest races of all time, but also some of the sport's worst accidents. The names of the great drivers and the sounds of engines from years gone by linger in the grand old trees which surround the track in the royal park.

Work began on the track in 1922 and was completed in under half a year. After Brooklands and Indianapolis it was the third permanent race track in existence. With a banked oval track incorporated into the design of the road racing circuit, the total track length stood at a whopping 10 kilometres.

The list of famous victories and horrifying accidents is long, and all combine to make Monza one of the most magical places on the Formula One calendar. For many there is nowhere that encapsulates the sport better than this circuit. The Italians call it "La Pista Magica," the magic track, a description few would disagree with.

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