With its unique atmosphere and incredible sense of motor racing history, Monza is a circuit that simply must be experienced in person. At last weekend's GT World Challenge event, spectators had even more reason to attend thanks to the new Fan Zone.
With food and drinks stalls, merchandise stores, and activities for kids, the space had everything required for a family day out. There was also a DJ, a photobooth, and giant screens showing the race. It was at its busiest around midday on Sunday when several Italian drivers headed to the Fan Zone for a meet and greet.
Silvia, Erika and Julia were among the crowd. One is an experienced race-goer, while her friends came along to see the series for the first time. "I was here last year for GT World Challenge," said Julia. "Actually I was here yesterday, and today I have brought my friends!
"I am a big racing fan, and a Ferrari fan," she added; when asked for her favourite driver, it took some time to choose from the Italian brand's all-star line-up. "Antonio Fuoco," she decides at last.
As for her friends, they agree that GT World Challenge provides a unique experience. "The atmosphere is really nice," said Silvia. "At other events you can't really move around but here it's very free; you see things that you don't normally get to see."
Sunday's race was won by the #48 Mercedes-AMG Team Mann-Filter entry of Lucas Auer, Matteo Cairoli and Maro Engel. Paolo wore the Mann-Filter colours to the track, so it's safe to assume he left happy. In fact, when the winning crew was on the podium, we spotted Paolo at the front of the crowd below, celebrating the victory.
"I like GT World Challenge because you have a chance to experience the cars up-close," he said. "You can't do this at other weekends. It's very important to see the cars, to really experience them."
This was his third straight year at the event and he noticed a difference in the size of the crowd: "I feel like there's a lot more people, which is good for the sport," he said. "It means it's growing and it can offer more opportunities for the fans.
"Next I'd like to go to Spa and Nürburgring," he added "I have some friends near the Nürburgring, there so that would be amazing." Unfortunately he'll miss the 24 Hours this year as it clashes with his graduation.
Of course, this isn't just an event for the locals. Jodie, Johnny, and kids Jemimia, Ralf and Rory had come from the north of England to see GT World Challenge for the first time.
"We came to Milan for a long weekend because it's the school holiday at home," explained Jodie. "We're all into motorsport so we thought we'd give it a go."
"It's awesome," said Johnny, who unfortunately missed his photo opportunity. "We didn't really know what to expect. We just thought we'd come and soak up the atmosphere, see what it's like to watch a race in Europe. These two are both tifosi!" he said of the boys, Ralf and Rory (pictured above with Jodie).
"It's really good!" they agreed in unison. Having watched their first GT race at Monza, they have a particularly cool story to tell their friends at school this week.
With this being Monza, there were a huge number of Ferrari fans. They didn't get the result they wanted on Sunday afternoon, but the enthusiasm for the Prancing Horse was at its peak during the meet and greet.
This pair of tifosi came last year and had no doubts about returning. When asked if there's a difference between 2024 and 2025, the answer is clear. "We were talking about it, and I said that this year there are much more activities: the pit walk, the meet and greet – a lot of things to do. You are always occupied, even if you're not in the grandstands you can have a great time.
"We absolutely want to go to Spa for the 24 Hours one day," he added. "We can't go this year but hopefully next year! We 100 percent want to go!"
Speaking of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, spectators can expect a world-class experience at the big event. The Fan Village at the foot of the Raidillon is expanding, with plenty of entertainment, a variety of food and drinks stalls, merchandise, and a special area for kids. The Red Paddock, which is accessible to paddock ticket holders, will also feature exhibitions of special cars and a chance to try simulators.
Monster Energy will play a major role, including a brand-new new event for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa: the Live Graffiti Monster Can Wall. The energy drink brand will also bring its tattoo bus and join with the pre-race entertainment.
The parade to Spa city centre is perhaps the most famous aspect of the fan experience. As ever, this takes place on Wednesday and is free to attend. There will also be fireworks, four music concerts spread across three different stages, and plenty more for spectators to experience. For further information, please click here.