🏁 Just 4 weeks until racing returns, here's how to Fill the Void this week

Which Track and Why?: James Allen

There may be just six circuits confirmed for the 2020 season so far, but every year we take thousands of people to some of the quickest, fastest and most challenging circuits around the world.

With the announcement of racing to begin imminently, we’re asking fans and famous faces alike to tell us their favourite tracks from around the world.

We start this week with Motorsport Network President and F1 reporter and commentator for over 30 years, James Allen, who tells us about his soft spot for Monza.

If you could visit any F1, Moto GP or WEC race event with one friend, which would it be?

Monza, the F1 Italian Grand Prix. It has a unique atmosphere and if you want to understand Grand Prix racing, there is nothing else that compares.

What makes Monza exciting to you?

It is the fastest circuit in F1 with long straights, chicanes, and packed grandstands full of passionate Ferrari fans.

Are there any historic moment that have made it particularly iconic?

The history goes back to the pre-WW2 era and it is a theatre of triumph and tragedy. The spectacular track invasion and crowds beneath the podium for Schumacher and more recently Leclerc’s wins are stand-out moments.

Away from the track, what do you love about the event?

The location is stunning, in a Royal Park and in early Autumn and the light is stunning. The food is, of course, the best in the world and Monza has some elegant and well-priced restaurants.

Is there a particular vantage point you would choose to view this race from, why?

I’d recommend the stand at the end of the pit straight. It's a good vantage point for the race as the cars brake from over 350km/h down to around 70km/h and it’s a superb overtaking spot.

Do you have a favourite personal moment at Monza?

So many! I’ve attended this race every year since 1990 and I remember some great events with Senna, Prost, Mansell, Schumacher and more recently last year’s race, Ferrari’s first home win for nine years. I think that as a moment of pure joy, arriving in the paddock early on race morning, with the colours and sounds and smells is my favourite moment.
James Allen interviews Lewis Hamilton pre-race at Monza