Dubai, UAE; 23 November 2021 – Italian motorsport celebrates a milestone at the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai as the Autodromo Nazionale Monza – the Italian temple of speed – marks its 100th year anniversary, and Imola Circuit returning to the F1 calendar in 2022.
On the occasion of the Italian Sports Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, Angelo Damiani Sticchi, President Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) and Stefano Domenicali, CEO Formula One Group, discussed about the past, the present and the future of the motorsport sector and presented a preview of the new logo for the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
Made in Italy echoes around the world not only among fashionistas and food lovers but also among cars enthusiasts. As the homeland of many excellences in the automotive sector like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Fiat, motorsport is widely popular in Italy.
Italy regularly hosts car races for both professionals and amateurs, all managed by the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI), which is also the italian motorsport federation. ACI is an Italian public non-profit association, that represents, protects and promotes the development of Italian motoring, ACI has been organizing motor races, since its establishment in 1905, including Formula One Grand Prix and Mille Miglia, a race for classic and vintage cars.
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza, currently the fastest track on the Formula One calendar, is the oldest racetrack in mainland Europe. Situated near the city of Milan (Italy), it was built in 1922 and it is the world’s third purpose-built motor racing circuit after Brooklands in the UK, which is no longer in use, and Indianapolis in the US. Very close to celebrating its 100-years anniversary, the historic circuit is preparing for a major restyling project and will host the 2022 F1 Italian Grand Prix.
Giuseppe Redaelli, Chairman of Autodromo Nazionale Monza SIAS S.p.A, said “The Autodromo Nazionale Monza opened its doors on 3 September 1922. The circuit has hosted the Italian Grand Prix, the longest-running event on the Formula 1 racing calendar to have always taken place, together with Great Britain, since 1950. It’s the quickest circuit on the calendar and also one of the oldest and most evocative.
After 100 years in service, we are now finalizing a big investment to modernise the entire circuit, with the aim of creating the first Autodrome in the world with zero environmental impact and a world center for entertainment.”
The modernization of Autodromo Nazionale Monza aims to limit its CO2 emissions and transform it into a centre of attractions and experiences connected to the world of cars and sustainable mobility.
Talking from the conference, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, Presidente ACI, said: “Passion for motors and motorsport is part of Italy’s DNA which has always been at the forefront of car manufacturing, design, and auto racing.
F1 Grand Prix has been won 18 times by an Italian manufacturer and some of the greatest drivers of all time are Italians. With Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat, Pagani, Dallara and with quality components produced by Brembo, Pirelli and Magneti Marelli, Italy has always been a leader in the car production industry.
The world of historic cars is also growing rapidly with dozens of national and international competitions, in addition to the famous Mille Miglia and Targa Florio.
Our role is to keep cultivating this rich heritage and to support the evolution of the motorsport in Italy and around the world. Today, we want to celebrate a great achievement for the Italian motorsport, as it’s been officially confirmed that Imola circuit will be in the 2022 F1 calendar.”
Stefano Domenicali, CEO F1 Group, said: “All over the world when one thinks of Formula 1, one cannot fail to remember the great contribution that Italy has given to this sport; and the first 100 years of the Monza circuit are an important testimony to this. Monza is special, Monza is home to Formula 1, it has always written among the most important pages of this sport that for 71 years, it has given emotions, passion and smiles. We are preparing to enter a new era for F1 with new regulations and new cars that will create even more exciting races. We are thrilled to have Italy, once again, a great protagonist in the official calendar of 2022 with two stops at Imola and Monza.”