This weekend, 250 doctors and nurses representing Italy's frontline workers who were hard-hit during the COVID-19 pandemic will be sitting in the grandstands at Monza.
So far, all rounds of the F1 world championship have taken place behind closed gates. And that policy will continue at the Italian Grand Prix although a small contingent invited by the Automobile Club d'Italia will witness this weekend's race as a reward for their courageous and outstanding efforts during the pandemic.
Italy was the first country outside of China to be hit by the coronavirus and paid a heavy toll, with over 35,000 individuals who died during the outbreak.
"Like all the other races run so far this year, the Italian Grand Prix will be held behind closed doors and therefore there will be no traditional track invasion by the fans at the end of the race," stated Ferrari in its pre-race preview.
"However, there will be 250 very special people in the grandstands, socially distanced of course: doctors and nurses will be guests at the track, as a symbolic honour for their courage, sense of duty and altruism as front line workers in the fight against COVID-19."
Next week's inaugural Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello - a venue owned by Ferrari - will also see an estimated 2,880 fans pass through the circuit's gates, invited by Italy's Scuderia Ferrari Club.
As a reminder, the Tuscan Grand Prix will mark the 1000th F1 world championship event for the House of Maranello.
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