Grand Prix of the Year 2000
| Mugello has won the prestigious IRTA 'Best Grand Prix' of the year for the season 2000.
The fourth IRTA Trophy success for the circuit.
Mugello, home of the Italian Grand Prix, has achieved an enviable reputation over the last six years and is acknowledged as setting the standards others must achieve. Set in the tranquillity of the rolling hills of Tuscany, less than 20 kilometres North of Florence, the 5.245km circuit boasts the finest of facilities and is a particular favourite of the majority of grand prix riders. A triple winner of the IRTA Trophy between 1995-97 Mugello finished second in the rankings in both 1998-99 before edging out the latest purpose built circuits on the GP calendar, Valencia and Sepang, to regain the coveted trophy for their 2000 performance. The annual poll, conducted among the IRTA teams, takes into consideration all facilities and each aspect of the running and management of the grands prix circuits over the four day GP weekend, awarding points for each. Circuit safety is paramount to any circuit hoping to impress the teams and Mugello spare no effort to ensure maximum safety for the competitors. The track management and staff make constant improvement to the run-off areas and track surface, often before absolutely necessary. On-track staff perform with a quiet and confident efficiency throughout the four days. Each and every request for assistance is immediately acted upon and they inevitably overcome all difficulties brought to their door. Circuit Director and race promoter Sante Ghedini and his experienced staff
lived-up to their well deserved reputation for providing a safe and Clerk of the Course Antonio Canu worked in harmony with the GP Race Direction while the race marshals were again at their very best, dealing with each fall quickly and effectively with a minimum of fuss. Facilities for the non-competitors rank among the finest in racing and the envy of the majority of their rivals. The medical team of doctors and nurses work in ideal conditions and co-operate well with the Clinica Mobile team who treat the riders at every grand prix event of the season. The facilities provided for the team support staff are more than adequate. The pit complex and hospitality suites are spacious and well equipped. The media centre is popular with journalists and Mugello Press Officer Riccardo Benvenuti and his tireless staff are among the most friendly and accommodating currently working in GP racing. The event is almost impossible to fault. Any criticism is taken on board, evaluated and acted upon. Mugello has achieved a standard of excellence unrivalled in recent years. The IRTA Trophy is just reward for their outstanding efforts. Professionalism with a smile, in the inimitable Italian tradition. IRTA Chairman Sito Pons said of Mugello. "It is not only a beautiful track with magnificent installations but also good people who support the competitors and press. They are very kind and professional." "Participants appreciate Mugello specially because of the hard conditions
in which a championship like this is developed. We are forced by our sport
to a continuos exodus that makes our job very difficult, always far from
our home countries. That is why, as Chairman of IRTA I would like to thank
all the people involved with the Italian Grand Prix held at Mugello for their efforts in making us feel at
home." Concluded Pons. |