Automobile club of Milan President Geronimo La Russa has expressed his desire to run the traditional air show at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, despite a ban for 2022.
Formula 1 has set a target to go carbon neutral by 2030, and part of this has now materialised in a prohibition of military air shows ahead of grand prix from 2022 onwards. This would affect air shows at Monza, Silverstone, Abu Dhabi and more.
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However, since the Red Arrows are not technically classed as military aircrafts, the Silverstone circuit have confirmed they will be able to run the show at this year’s British Grand Prix.
La Russa hopes to secure an arrangement so that a pre-race presentation can be provided to spectators in Italy later this year.
“I hope that the intention to eliminate the performance of the Frecce Tricolori at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix will return and that, in the end, a shared solution will be found so as not to deprive the spectators of what is in effect a show within a show, as well as a strong appeal to national identity,” La Russa said, as quoted by ANSA.
While the Italian understands the value of ecological awareness, he suggested that many fans would miss out on a magnificent piece of entertainment were the planes not fly over the circuit.
“It is normal that environmental sustainability is also one of the objectives, but I still believe that the Frecce Tricolori parade is a winning element and an added value appreciated by all,” he explained.
The Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September forms part of a 23-race calendar in 2022 and will be one of two visits to the country, with the first being the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on 24 April.
Located 19 kilometres from Milan, 71 Italian Grand Prix have been held at the track, the first of which took place in 1950 – F1’s inaugural championship year.
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