Monaco, a temple of motoring
INDIANAPOLIS
Go ahead that the Indy formula (or IndyCar Series) to the average European viewer has always seemed like a roll of biblical proportions. That of going round and round an oval waiting for one of the pilots to hit a tremendous blow from which they usually come out unscathed lost its grace with the invention of compilations on Youtube.
Apart from the big accidents, this form of motorsport has brought a city to the world: Indianapolis. The capital of the State of Indiana is full of tacky monuments that live up to its name, but on its outskirts it has the cathedral of this competition, its racing circuit. In it, of course, there is a Museum-Hall of Fame (how Americans like these things) with unknown names for the vast majority. But it is curious to enter to see how the design of the trophies responds to the doubtful taste for this competition and to see certain Vintage Corvettes and Other Historic Cars in Mint Condition . However, crossing half the world to visit the IMS has a better reward: getting on a single-seater to tour its oval while the blood boils in the veins. And at the end, contemplate from the track its centennial pagoda, the most recognizable building and that more deserves to reach the category of monumentillo.
MONACO
There are three annual sports events that every human being has ever seen on television (even if they hate sports): the ski jumps on January 1, a final in the Tour de France and the Monaco GP . That because? First: it is done by the very narrow streets of one of the smallest states in the world , with the dose of danger that this entails. Second: it is all glamour, from the pit lane to the yachts that dock in its port. Third: it is the greatest tourism promotion tool that any country could wish for. Hordes of fans arrive here every year to take pictures in the mythical horseshoes of Mirabau, in front of the Casino or in the Santa Devota loophole, but not before doing the same in La Rascasse facing the sea. It is a recommended route to do on foot, since the traffic on these streets is usually hellish. And is it already? Well no. Monaco could not afford to let the Grand Circus pass by as if nothing had happened and, although it has nothing to do with racing, the Monegasque royal house exhibits the private collection of vintage cars of Rainier III, one of the great supporters of the GP.
LE MANS
Let's face it, drag racing isn't the most fun thing on the planet. But they must be recognized for having put Le Mans on the map. In addition to being a city for more than 24 hours, it has a world icon in its La Sharte circuit, a magnet for fans who come to enjoy it in one of the most well-cared Drive Experiences in the world. A lucrative alternative for a circuit that 364 days a year lives practically in ostracism.
Le Mans: little houses, stone alleys... and a lot of speed
MONZA
This city on the outskirts of Milan is synonymous with Formula 1 at full speed. Monza is a national symbol, a rare bird within the most universal competition circuits due to its scarcity of curves and its camber. And it is also a circuit open to all public who want to come here and take a walk in all possible ways, including the pleasure of doing a reconnaissance lap by bicycle or rollerblades.
**VALLEY OF ENGINES (ITALY) **
In the strip that goes from Modena to San Marino is home to a very high number of factories, circuits and museums dedicated to the art of designing and perfecting cars. It is the Valley of the Motors, the nerve center of an industry so powerful in Italy (forgive me FIAT and Turin) that it has become a destination for mythomaniacs and car magazine buyers. In just 200 kilometers you can visit such emblematic places as the Ímola circuit, the Ferrari museum in San Marino, the Maserati headquarters, the Ferrucio Lamborghini center or the Enzo Ferrari house in Modena. And always surrounded by good taste and the latest display technology.
NOTRE-DAME ISLAND, MONTREAL
When the Montreal Metro was built they had a great idea: to use all the earth left over from the excavations to make an artificial island in the Saint Lawrence River. The second good idea they had in this regard was to use this new space to host the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix. During the event, the city shines like a perfect marriage of water and aluminum. Apart from this, the park is used for walking and practicing other sports such as rowing. However, the visit to the famous wall of the Gilles Villeneuve circuit champions and the corresponding photo with the slogan 'Welcome to Quebec' becomes the biggest tourist attraction of the place.
The island of Notre-Dame, in Montreal
ALBERT PARK, MELBOURNE
This cute park in the heart of Melbourne is an oasis for ducks for 51 weeks year. La 52 is reserved for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, which has chosen this place to turn it into a circuit that surrounds its lake. As it is semi-urban, the route is temporary so the rest of the year is a good place to have an Australian picnic. Of course, without forgetting the heady run run of the engines...
PORT OF VALENCIA
Despite the fact that his continuity is a great unknown, Valencia must be recognized that his GP was quite spectacular. His great merit was to understand from the beginning that sports, tourism and the city had to come together to offer a memorable show . And they achieved it thanks to its port, the iconic bridge that closes it and La Marina, the most privileged place to follow the races and that in its day was the headquarters of the America's Cup. A great example of how sport can change the color of a city and transform an entire neighborhood. Now all that remains is for them to sleep...
MOTORIZED GERMANY
In Germany it is impossible to group all automotive destinations in one valley or region. It is the country of the co che, the great manufacturer of innovative and luxurious models. Only Italian design could eclipse the Germanic monopoly in the world of four wheels. Practically every city has a space reserved for the impact of the car in it . But given the choice, what better than staying with museums as fun as ** BMW in Munich, the Audiforum in Ingolstadt, the automobile city of Wolfsburg or the Porsche or Mercedes museums, both in Stuttgart.** Yes, each one sweeps for his house, but what a house! Of course, the visit is not complete if you do not make a stop at the mythical forest of the Nürburgring, where the asphalt of the authentic layout of the most traditional circuit in Germany still survives.
DONINGTON PARK
The oldest circuit in the United Kingdom keeps a little of the glory of this sport and gladly exhibits it in its Grand Prix Collection. Vintage race cars from brands like Williams or McLaren, iconic photos and trophies of some of the best drivers on the planet are their biggest claims.
FERRARI WORLD
And for the end, the funniest and most evolved example of automobile tourism. The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi It is not exactly a destination for fans of this sport, but rather draws on the fame of the Italian firm to be one more attraction of the futuristic complex of Yas Marina, the circuit of Abu Dhabi . In the end, one more theme park with attractions for the whole family and with the 'prancing horse' logo present everywhere. Riding on its Formula Rossa rollercoaster doesn't give you the rush of driving your own Ferrari, but almost.