Monza means many things. Even those who don't make a living from motorsport can't help but connect the city of Brianza to the event that best represents the essence of our country's motoring culture. L'National racetrack dwells on the calendars of Formula 1 since the dawn of sport, but the legal issues that are making the organizers suffer could constitute an obstacle to any renewals. The charm of the track can only be elevated to the number one reason to fight for, even before money and personal honors.
The obstacle to the renewal of Monza and the words of the President
Among main difficulties that the organizers of the Monza Grand Prix are facing there is the one linked to the concession of the racetrack. The route is managed by the Sias company, but this one does not own the circuit. The management contract expires in 2028 and, obviously, a possible renewal of only three years would not be convenient either for the organization or for Liberty Medium. It is not uncommon for hosting a grand prix to be no guarantee of secure financial income. If we add to this the plague of the poor sustainability of a short-term renewal, there is no interest on the part of all parties involved in signing any extension. The current contract ensures Monza a place on the calendar until 2025, but if it wants to hope to stay there it will have to get around the vagaries of ownership of the route. Not only.
What also makes reaching a compromise even more difficult is theobsolescence of the Brianza plant. It's no secret, the Stradale is as old as him, and poor renovation can only complicate things when it comes to business. The president of the ICA Angelo Sticchi Damiani spoke about the expected times before starting the works much requested by Stefano Domenicali to proceed with the negotiations: “We are examining proposals from 14 companies that have offered. In a short time it will be defined who will be invited to proceed, we expect to receive the offers by mid-October and by the end of the month we should have the successful company. Realistically we imagine that work will be able to begin in November."
Damiani also underlined how there isimportance of government support"The GP on the oldest circuit it will stop in 2025 if the institutions don't help us. We can't do it alone. I can't sign contracts and commit until 2030 if I don't have guarantees of coverage."
2022 vs 2023, there is a decline, but the data is encouraging
It was predictable that there would be a decline in interest compared to last year. The unchallenged dominance of Max Verstappen, which grabbed the on Sunday tenth victory in a row, it extinguished the dreams of Ferrari fans early. Last year, when Ferrari could afford the luxury of concretely hoping for stage success, the number of attendances over the weekend amounted to 330.000. Tickets sold this year were 304.135, Or the 97% of the total. Attendance on Sunday alone was 100.000. Numbers that certainly have room for growth, but which, given the poor performance of the current season, only demonstrate how the temple of speed has the ability to attract interest in any circumstance.
Organization and management: the racetrack is promoted
In the past year there have been many problems experienced by fans. An untested token-based payment system; endless queues for each service and at each entrance; an unacceptable shuttle system and a general lack of skills on the part of the stewards. The Monza racetrack has clearly changed pace.
The problems seen last season have been contained if not eliminated. The improved organization has made access to the many services present more fluid. The staff assigned to help spectators had clear information in most cases. Lastly, the shuttle system was smoother and more punctual, allowing you to get from the station to the runway in about half an hour. Some problems remained, such as that of toilets that are difficult to reach, or underpasses that cannot be used. Overall though, an enjoyable event from many points of view. A discreet organization it is conditio sine qua non if you want to hope to continue hosting the circus, therefore, we hope a similar line of action will be maintained.
Monza: when charm must be protected
Monaco, Silverstone, Suzuka, Interlagos, and Monza. Tracks that are much discussed in an increasingly commercial Formula 1. Next year there will be twenty-four stages, but although there are many slots, the multiplicity of actors willing to host a race makes the historical tracks tremble. The current of thought of those at the top is clear: history is not enough, we need to innovate.
But is it really right to reduce the possibility of hosting a grand prix solely to the ability to generate massive revenues and have exclusive infrastructures? In a non-money-hungry world, obviously not. This does not mean that we should reject change by letting stands and underpasses fall to pieces, but that we should consider the nuances rather than always seeing either black or white. Las Vegas, Miami, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi are just a few examples of which is the ideal circuit for the top. Sometimes, however, it would be good to stop for a moment.
The essence of Sport in the broadest sense of the term has never been created only by pilots, footballers, tennis players or sprinters. What makes what happens in a stadium or on a track great is also those who surround it. The mass of spectators in raptures under the podium, the smoke bombs at the start and the roars at the key moments deserve to be given more importance than it is given today.
As for the track, immersed in the woods like the great self-respecting circuits, it is the essence of speed in its purest, most childish form. Perhaps this is precisely what makes us so emotional: feeling like a child for two hours and forgetting about the rest. Anyone who has experienced certain sensations first-hand will agree that not all circuits are made of the same stuff. And in an increasingly plastic world, not setting aside certain temples must be a mission.
SOURCE STATEMENTS: Motorsport.com Italia; The Republic
