Italian Grand Prix Formula One Race

Formula One Italian Grand Prix

The Italian Grand Prix is a time-honoured tradition in the world of Formula One motor racing. It is considered to be one of the longest running motor racing events and has been held on an annual basis since September 1921. The first Italian Grand Prix was held at Brescia. However by the following year the course at Monza – which has since become the home of the Italian Grand Prix – had been built just in time to host the 1922 Italian Grand Prix. Though the Italian Grand Prix has been held at a few other locations over the years, the track at Monza has certainly proven to be the most popular location for the event. In fact in the more than 80 years that it has been running, the Italian Grand Prix has only been held at locations other than the Monza track on five occasions.

It is interesting to note that the Italian Grand Prix was one of the two races which formed part of the inaugural Formula One Championship races in 1950. Prior to this, the Italian Grand Prix had only operated on a national scale. The decision to participate in an international race was well supported and the Italian Grand Prix has been part of the World Championships ever since. The circuit length at Monza is 5.79 kilometres (3.60 miles) in length and it is repeated or lapped 53 times. This means that the complete race measures a total of 306.72 kilometres (190.59 miles) in length. Currently Ferrari is the constructor who has enjoyed the most wins, having taken 18 wins on the Monza track. Michael Schumacher has enjoyed the most wins at Monza with five Italian Grand Prix wins under his belt.

The Italian Grand Prix was also the sight of German racing superstar Michael Schumacher’s last Grand Prix race and Grand Prix win. At the end of the 2006 racing season Schumacher announced his retirement from Formula One racing. Whilst fans mourn the loss of this spectacular driver to the F1 racing fraternity, it opens the way for other excellent drivers to fill his shoes. His position at Ferrari will most likely be filled by Kimi Raikkonen at the start of the 2007 season.