From the 10th to the 12th of September 2021, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza will finally welcome back the Tifosi almost two years after the historic victory of Charles Leclerc in 2019, when the audience was the biggest ever in Monza. The circuit has also been selected by Formula One as one of the venues to experiment with the new format with Sprint Qualifying and the spectators seem curious to assist.
In 2021, the Temple of Speed will only be able to welcome back half of the spectators usually allowed but the return of the red sea, however partial, gives a sign of hope in the fight against the pandemic. FormulaNerds discussed the preparations of the event with the president of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza Giuseppe Redaelli, who clarified how safety from the Covid-19 pandemic will come first: “The Autodromo Nazionale Monza faces a great challenge this year because during the Formula 1 Heineken Italian Grand Prix 2021 it will welcome a reduced number of fans compared to the past and only spectators equipped with a European green pass during the race weekend from the 10th to 12th of September. The access of spectators must comply with all the regulations in force relating to Covid-19, including those concerning the rules of distancing between the seats in the stands, as specified by the new decree-law issued by the Council of Ministers, on the proposal of President Mario Draghi and the Minister of Health Roberto Speranza.”
The Tifosi have always been the distinctive trait of the Italian Grand Prix. Hence, the Autodromo has carefully tested the procedures for their entries: “The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is known worldwide for its warm fans and for the engaging enthusiasm that reaches the drivers on the track from the stands. We are therefore very happy to be able to guarantee entry to the public this year, albeit in small numbers as the rules established by the law decree require us. Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the first-ever race that has had spectators was the 6 Hours of Monza of the World Endurance Championship on July 18, 2021. On that occasion, we were able to test to a smaller extent, with a maximum capacity of one thousand spectators, all the entries and distancing procedures with excellent results. We are sure to reserve the highest safety standards for our public.”
Monza has granted brilliant racing in recent years, such as the historic victory of Charles Leclerc in 2019 and the emotional redemption of Pierre Gasly in 2020. Meanwhile qualifying lately proved problematic due to the strong toe advantage, proper racing was exciting for the nature of the track, which allows wheel-to-wheel duels and bold overtakes. Formula One recognized the potential of the circuit and decided to test in the Temple of Speed the new format with Sprint Qualifying and the Tifosi seem curious to see it: “The big news about the program of the event is that the new Sprint Qualifying will debut on Saturday 11 September from 16:30 to 17. The new format, which will decide the Grand Prix grid on Sunday, presents a fast and spectacular race of about 100 km with all the cars on track. Therefore, the staff of the circuit is working to better organize the entrances and the stay inside the facility of the spectators who are buying tickets online, with particular attention this year also to the Saturday as a bigger audience is expected than on the same day in recent years.”.
With the Tifosi back and a new exciting format the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is ready to celebrate a big happening and already has an eye open of the future: “This year the presence of spectators is also of particular importance because the Formula 1 Heineken Italian Grand Prix 2021 takes place exactly one hundred years after the first Italian Grand Prix of 1921 in Montichiari (Brescia). We will therefore celebrate a significant anniversary that also anticipates another centenary: that of the foundation of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza which will be in 2022.”.
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