Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Circuit Length: 5.793 km
Lapcount: 53
Race Distance: 307.029 km
Lap record: 1:21.046 (Rubens Barrichello, 2004)
Nicknamed the Temple Of Speed, Monza is the fastest track on the Formula 1 calendar today. As the oldest permanent circuit in Europe that is still in use, it is steeped in history and the Tifosi gather in the tens of thousands over the weekend to egg on their beloved Scuderia Ferrari.
The circuit was built in 1922. Until 1961, Grand Prix cars ran on the layout that included an oval section. Today's cars still pass under it heading into the Ascari chicance, and the banking is still visible at Parabolica, albeit in bad shape. A petition to restore it can be signed
here.
Monza has its fair share of fatalities over the years. The last one was a marshal who was hit by debris in a pile-up in the 2000 Grand Prix. The last driver fatality involved Ronnie Peterson in 1978.
Today's V8 F1 cars are able to reach speeds of up to 340km/h (372km/h in the V10 era) on this smooth and wide circuit. Wings are adjusted to the smallest angle of attack to achieve this, and teams even remove winglets to reduce the drag further. Engines and brakes take a huge beating during the race, and rear-tyre blistering is also an issue.
Drivers love the challenge that the low downforce configuration presents, especially through the Parabolica. It is a crucial bend as it controls the speed that is carried onto the pit straight and into the braking zone for the first chicane. Overtaking is not any better at this track however, as the cars tend to space out quickly.
A single pitstop strategy is the norm even though the pitlane is relatively short. However, given this year's 2-tyre rules, few teams are likely to gamble on the longevity of the softer option using this strategy.
Although Ferrari are expected to do well here due to the nature of the track, McLaren headed the timesheets throughout testing last week. BMW have been tipped as the dark horses for this race, as Robert Kubica snatched 3rd place and a maiden podium here last year. Spyker's new car makes its debut, and it has a tall order to fufill - move the team further forward from the back of the grid.
The rain that featured in testing could make an appearance and throw in more surprises.
Interestingly, none of this year's title protagonists has won at this track at the highest level. Lewis Hamilton's lead over Fernando Alonso in the championship has been cut to 5 points after a tyre failure in the last race. Both Ferrari drivers are still at least 15 points behind with just 5 rounds remaining.
The battle is set to get tighter on Sunday at 8 p.m. - stay tuned!