250 frontline workers to attend Italian GP at Monza

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.

Vettel: It's perhaps 'better' to have no fans at Monza

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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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.