In The Driver's Seat

Topsy-turvy Tuscan race a fillip for F1

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For years now, those Formula One drivers who had been privileged enough to test at Mugello had spoken in awed tones of the 5.245km circuit as the Holy Grail, a wonderful venue coiled like a snake in the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany. But even Ferrari's ownership was insufficient to win them an F1 grand prix. Monza had been Italy's Cathedral of Speed since 1922, except when it was being upgraded in 1980 and the race was switched to Imola.

If it could ever really be said that there is anything good to come from Covid-19, it is that the virus indirectly led to Mugello being granted a grand prix at last. New races in Europe are as rare as hen's teeth these days as F1 continually seeks wider global exposure and, coincidence of coincidences, it would be Ferrari's 1,000th race. Serendipity lives!

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 15, 2020, with the headline Topsy-turvy Tuscan race a fillip for F1. Subscribe