This year’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza is expected to draw a record crowd.
The popularity of Formula One is surging this year, which should translate into a large crowd at Monza as the Tifosi rally behind Charles Leclerc’s title defense.
“We are still expanding the temporary stands so as not to leave anyone out,” said Angelo Sticchi Damiani, president of the Italian automobile club Aci.
The year 2022 is also a special one for the legendary Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, as it marks the 100th anniversary of the first race, which took place in 1922.
“The numbers for the Monza GP are already exceptional,” Sticchi Damiani told Rai radio
“We are heading towards 320,000 spectators over the weekend – numbers we’ve never seen.”
However, Leclerc’s bid to become Ferrari’s first drivers’ champion since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007 was derailed when the Monaco-born driver crashed out of the lead at Paul Ricard.
“Unfortunately it happens,” Sticchi Damiani said. “A mistake makes a perfect driver like Leclerc at least look human.
“In my opinion he comes out stronger as a driver,” he added. “So I keep hoping. We miss having a Ferrari world champion very much.”