Attenzione - This is Mugello
by Motopinion
Imagine driving through a small town or village and being directed to turn down a small side street, only just wide enough for two cars to pass. It winds down a hill and rounds a sharp bend, convincing you this must be the wrong way.
This doubt is highlighted by the fact there is no sound of racing engines, which you know will be on track right now. Then at the top of a fairly steep hill, the sound appears, as does the sight of a beautiful Tuscan valley. And there, nestled gracefully in this perfect picturesque setting is the magnificent Autodromo di Mugello. The best racing circuit in the world.
The sheer beauty is only a part of the Mugello experience which makes it so different to any other Grand Prix. This is after all, Italy.
The passionate fans are here to party, and party they do. There are T shirts available with bold wording; 'Al Mugello, non si dorme' (At Mugello, no-one sleeps) and this is possibly true. Partly because of the Italian fans desire that, to truly show their support for their heroes, they must take any form of engine they can find, chain saws being a popular choice, remove any form of sound baffling, and rev it constantly. Old motorcycle engines in shopping trolleys with 6 inch exhausts can also be seen. And heard.
The track is surrounded by natural grass viewing banks where everyone of the thousands of fans have unrivalled views. In years past, when their hero Valentino Rossi raced here, the majority of these would be wearing yellow, giving the whole track a very distinctive view.
The circuit commentator opens the action on race day morning with two loud exclamations of 'Attenzione Attenzione'. As if the crowd are not already hyped enough for what is about to happen.
The paddock and trackside service road is full of 5 or 6 different types of police who convince someone it is neccesary for them to attend in numbers and have this access. All wearing different impressive uniforms with gold braid and, of course, standard issue 'Raybans'.
Before the main race, an equally impressively dressed band will play the full version of the national anthem, as huge tricolours are waved on the hillsides. And then, with immaculate timing, as the music ends the Italian air force will appear down the main straight leaving red, green and white smoke settling on the grid.
The Italian Grand Prix at is not just a race, it is an event. Where proud Italians proudly show off their country, their passion and their unquestionable claim that there is simply nowhere quite like Mugello.
