Formula One pays its respects after 9/11

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On this day in 2001, the Italian Grand Prix was held at Monza - just five days after the horrific terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11. There had been serious debate about cancelling the race altogether given the security situation, and Michael Schumacher was reluctant to take part in the race saying later that he felt it gave a "bad sign" to be driving so soon after such a catastrophic event.

In the event the race went ahead as normal with a win for Juan Pablo Montoya ahead of Rubens Barrichello in the Ferrari. Barrichello and his team mate Michael Schumacher both sported jet-black noses on their Ferrari cars as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks, and all advertising was removed from their cars.

Jaguar fitted black engine covers to their cars on Saturday morning, and Jordan sponsor Deutsche Post replaced its branding with the flag of the United States on the Jordan cars engine cover on Sunday. Podium celebrations were also cancelled, and pre-race ceremonies such as a flypast by the Italian Tricolour Arrows display team were also called off.

Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.