The Monza parkland will reverberate to the sound of supercars on the weekend of 31 May/1 June when GT World Challenge powered by AWS makes its annual appearance at the Temple of Speed. Here are five good reasons to get your tickets and join us for what promises to be an epic event.
IT'S BURSTING WITH HISTORY
Monza is, quite simply, historic. It has existed for more than a century, starting out as a high-speed oval in 1922 before developing into the modern circuit we know today. Parts of the old track still exist – they're a major draw for race fans – while a strong sense of nostalgia is always in the air whether you're at Rettifilo, Curva Grande or Parabolica.
Walking around the venue, you are reminded that the greatest drivers and cars in motorsport history have competed at the track. There are a handful of circuits – Suzuka, Spa-Francorchamps, Indianapolis – that every fan must visit at least once. Monza definitely falls into this category.
THE LOCATION IS PRETTY SPECIAL, TOO
Monza has the tremendous appeal of being located within a national park. In fact, it’s the largest walled park in Europe, so big that it can comfortably contain a race track and a golf course with plenty of space left over. If you like circuits in scenic settings, this is the ideal place.
The city of Monza also has plenty to see and do. The cathedral (Duomo di Monza) was built between the 14th and 17th centuries and houses some timeless masterpieces, including the Tree of Life by Arcimboldo. You can visit the historic city centre and take a walk that passes local monuments such as the Palazzo dell’Arengario, the War Memorial, and the Ponte dei Leoni bridge which crosses the Lambro River. So don’t just come for the race: take time to explore this wonderful region.
PADDOCK ACCESS INCLUDED
GT World Challenge places huge emphasis on the fan experience. All tickets include entry to the paddock, allowing you to see and appreciate the event from the inside. Fans can also refuel at the food courts under the Museum area and behind Grandstand 26 (in P9 parking). They will have a space in which to relax with tables, chairs and sun umbrellas, while a dedicated area for kids will include both fun and creative activities. A special Photo Corner will allow spectators to snap a selfie and share it on social media.
The event also includes an autograph session featuring all drivers, which takes place in the Fanzone on Sunday afternoon. A weekend ticket costs only 35€, and you’ll see four support races before the three-hour GT World Challenge race begins at 15:00 on Sunday.
THE GRID IS HUGE (AND EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE)
Make no mistake: the GT World Challenge Endurance Cup is Europe’s biggest sportscar series. Around 60 cars representing 10 brands will compete at Monza, including fantastic line-ups from Lamborghini and Ferrari. There's also plenty of star power among the entrants, with world-class drivers such as Alessandro Pier Guidi, Mirko Bortolotti, Raffaele Marciello, Nicki Thiim and Jules Gounon.
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The race is certain to be competitive. While every car is a GT3, four different classes compete at once. Pro is the highest level, reserved for professional drivers. The Gold Cup is primarily made up of younger professionals, while the Silver Cup features semi-pros. Finally, a Bronze Cup line-up comprises one amateur driver alongside a semi-pro and a pro. That means action from the start right up to the chequered flag.
AN ACTION-PACKED SUPPORT LINE-UP
Think of a race event as being like a music concert. So, while GT World Challenge is the headliner, you can also rely on seeing some awesome support acts. At Monza, the line-up includes a pair of one-make series from iconic brands: Lamborghini Super Trofeo and McLaren Trophy Europe. Both will run two 50-minute races, one on Saturday and another on Sunday.
The Lamborghini series has visited Monza many times with GT World Challenge, while McLaren Trophy is a newer addition and made its first appearance at the track last year. Both bring very impressive cars which will really show their capabilities on Monza’s sweeping curves.
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Want to join us at Monza? In addition to almost seven hours of racing, fans can also look forward to plenty of off-track entertainment. The main race starts at 15:00 on Sunday, with tickets covering the whole weekend (35€) and single-day tickets (from 20€) on sale now. For more information, please click here.