The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has joined forces with the Autodromo Nazionale Monza to support the restoration of Monza Park, planting 35 new oak trees ahead of the season-ending 2026 6 Hours of Monza. The initiative forms part of a wider reforestation programme following the severe storms that devastated sections of the historic park in 2023.
The tree-planting ceremony took place on Thursday, 5 November, along the historic Viale Mirabello near the Ascari Chicane. Organisers selected 35 trees to represent the championship’s current entry list, which features 17 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 cars competing across the two categories.
The initiative highlights the championship’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its efforts to establish lasting connections with the communities surrounding its host circuits.
Monza Park continues restoration following devastating 2023 storms
The project supports ongoing efforts to restore the woodland surrounding the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, which suffered extensive damage during severe storms in 2023. Strong winds uprooted thousands of trees, significantly disrupting the landscape and natural ecosystem of the historic park.
Since then, local authorities and environmental organisations have worked to restore the affected areas, replacing damaged trees and protecting the park’s ecological heritage.
The FIA WEC and Monza circuit have now contributed to these efforts through a joint long-term initiative, planting 35 oak trees in the Bosco Bello section of the park.
The location holds particular significance because of its proximity to the famous racing circuit, reinforcing the connection between motorsport and the surrounding natural environment.
Beyond replacing trees, the reforestation programme also aims to raise awareness of climate change and the increasing environmental pressures affecting local ecosystems. By supporting the restoration project, organisers hope to contribute to the park’s long-term recovery while encouraging greater environmental responsibility within motorsport.
WEC drivers and officials participate in tree-planting ceremony
Several senior figures from motorsport and the local community attended the ceremony, highlighting the collaborative nature of the reforestation project.
FIA WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien joined Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) President Pierre Fillon and Autodromo Nazionale Monza President Giuseppe Redaelli. The event also welcomed Monza Parks Councillor Arianna Bettin and circuit General Manager Alfredo Scala.
Drivers representing the championship’s Hypercar and LMGT3 categories also participated. Team Peugeot TotalEnergies drivers Théo Pourchaire and Nick Cassidy attended alongside Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG driver Lin Hodenius.
Their participation provided another connection between the championship’s sporting activities and its environmental initiatives, with the drivers helping to highlight the importance of protecting the natural surroundings of historic racing venues.
The number of trees carries particular symbolic significance, reflecting the 35-car field competing in the 2026 WEC 6 Hours of Monza season finale as the championship returns to the Italian circuit for the first time since 2023.
Monza President highlights importance of environmental protection
Giuseppe Redaelli, President of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, emphasised the circuit’s responsibility to balance its motorsport activities with environmental protection.
He described the planting initiative as an example of how racing organisations can contribute to preserving their surroundings while promoting environmental education.
“The planting of these 35 new oak trees is a tangible expression of our mission, which combines the promotion of motorsport with an ongoing commitment to environmental education and the protection of our local area. It also stands as a testament to our shared responsibility to demonstrate how motorsport can actively contribute to building a more sustainable future.”
Redaelli also reflected on the damage caused by the 2023 storms, reaffirming the circuit’s commitment to restoring the park while continuing to develop its sporting facilities.
“Following the severe storms of 2023, our commitment is to continue ensuring a virtuous balance between the sporting and technological development of the Autodromo and the preservation, restoration and expansion of the green spaces and tree heritage of the park and the city of Monza.”
The restoration project therefore represents part of a longer-term commitment rather than an isolated environmental activity during the race weekend.
Lequien emphasises WEC’s commitment to lasting environmental initiatives
FIA WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien also welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the championship’s efforts to create a positive impact beyond its sporting events.
He explained that sustainability remains an important consideration for the series, particularly through partnerships with circuits and local organisations.
“Sustainability is a core consideration in FIA WEC, and at every venue we visit, we strive to work together with the circuit and local organisations to leave a positive and meaningful legacy that will endure far beyond the race weekend. We are delighted to have been able to collaborate so closely with the Autodromo Nazionale Monza on this tree-planting project, and look forward to seeing the regeneration of Monza Park take shape.”
The Monza initiative follows other community-focused projects during the 2026 season. At Barcelona, the championship partnered with the Pau Costa Foundation to support wildfire prevention and community resilience through a charity run organised during the race weekend.
Both projects reflect the championship’s approach to working with local organisations to address environmental challenges affecting its host regions.
ACO President Fillon welcomes reforestation initiative
ACO President Pierre Fillon also highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into motorsport’s long-term development.
He emphasised the organisation’s commitment to finding opportunities for motorsport and environmental protection to work together, particularly at venues with strong connections to their surrounding landscapes.
“At the ACO, we put sustainability at the heart of our strategy for the future of the sport, and are constantly seeking new ways to build bridges between motor racing and environmental protection. The backdrop of Monza Park is synonymous with the famous Autodromo, and it has been our privilege to play a small part in this reforestation initiative that I have no doubt will continue to take root over the coming years.”
The partnership also reinforces the historical relationship between Monza Park and its racing circuit, which has operated within the park since 1922.
For the ACO and FIA WEC, supporting the restoration offers an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of an important natural and cultural landmark while maintaining Monza’s position as a major international motorsport venue.
Monza initiative highlights environmental responsibility ahead of WEC finale
The reforestation ceremony comes as the FIA WEC prepares for the final round of its 2026 campaign, with Monza hosting the championship from 6–8 November.
The Italian circuit will welcome 35 cars across the Hypercar and LMGT3 categories, with several championship battles remaining undecided ahead of Sunday’s six-hour race.
Although the sporting contest will determine the final championship honours, the tree-planting initiative provides an opportunity to highlight the wider responsibilities of motorsport organisations and the importance of protecting the environments surrounding historic circuits.
The 35 new oak trees will contribute to the continuing restoration of Monza Park, supporting efforts to replace the woodland lost during the 2023 storms.
Through its collaboration with the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the FIA WEC aims to leave a positive legacy beyond the race weekend while reinforcing the relationship between motorsport, environmental protection and the local community.
