Rapido! The fastest lap in Formula One history was recorded at Monza by Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya during practice for the 2004 Grand Prix, which should give you a sense of the character of the circuit that the locals refer to as 'La Pista Magica.' On the 1.1km start/finish straight, the cars are on full speed for 80 percent of the lap and reach their Vmax. They then speed into the historic park portion, where the brakes are put to the test with a series of hard stops into tight chicanes.
Aim for the grandstand at the Variante del Rettifilo to see the incredible sight of vehicles braking from 350km/h to 70km/h before navigating the tight chicane. This is also one of the finest overtaking locations on the circuit, as well as a hotspot for first-lap scraps.
Monza's parkland setting, just north of Milan's fashion capital, makes for a relaxed, leafy setting for a Grand Prix, while the preserved Monza banking – visible in the background as the cars exit the Parabolica, as well as on the flyover bridge they pass under en route to the Variante Ascari – leaves no doubt that you're in the presence of a very special race track.