The 13th round of the 2014 Formula 1 season takes place at the historic Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy.
Following the dramatic Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, the sport now heads to another classic track for the final European race of the season.
Set in the stunning parkland of the Royal Villa of Monza, the area is steeped in motorsport history with the modern Monza circuit running just metres away from the classic oval that hosted the Italian Grand Prix decades ago.
This year’s event will be the 65th time that it has appeared on the F1 schedule and the 63rd time the race has taken place at Monza, with Imola hosting just one Italian Grand Prix in 1980.
It is one of four circuits – along with Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and the Circuit de Monaco – to have appeared on the calendar for the inaugural Formula 1 season back in 1950.
It has remained the sport’s fastest track, despite the addition of several chicanes over the years to slow the cars down. It features three long straights and four flat-out sections. With the new 2014 power-units, it could be possible to see top speeds of 360kph (over 220mph).
Of course, the race is known not only for its incredible racing and history, but also the fanatical supporters that visit the circuit over the weekend. Home to Ferrari’s Tifosi, who pack the grandstand and create a sea of red, the Maranello-based outfit hasn’t scored a victory at the Monza circuit since 2010.
It looks unlikely that Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen will add to Ferrari’s table-topping tally of 18 Italian Grand Prix F1 victories this season, thanks to the dominance of Mercedes AMG Petronas and the strength of the Mercedes power-unit.
However, we have seen the Brackley-based outfit lose out on top results over the last few races. Obviously Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided at the Belgian Grand Prix and despite crucial talks at the team’s factory, tensions will remain high within Mercedes as the end of the year edges closer.
Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the Italian Grand Prix, having won the event five times (four of which were when he was driving for Ferrari). Nelson Piquet took four victories – three at Monza and one at Imola – while Sebastian Vettel is the most successful current driver with three triumphs.
A lap of the 3.600 mile circuit begins on the long start/finish straight, with the pit lane entry and exit to the right. The first two corners make up the Variante del Rettifilo chicane, which is approached at well over 210mph.
Drivers previously applied the brakes 120 metres before the first apex, but this will certainly change due to the new-for-2014 brake-by-wire system. Stability during deceleration is crucial at the Monza circuit due to the number of straights that are followed by slow corners.
The tricky right-left chicane is difficult to get right and is notorious for first lap crashes (for example, 2011). It is the best overtaking place on the track, particularly as it follows the first DRS zone, and the run-off area and escape road helps to save those who get it wrong.
Traction out of the chicane is crucial for the long run under the trees and through the flat-out Curva Grande. The long, sweeping bend is the final corner in the first sector; with the second part of the lap starting as the cars hit the brakes and head under the bridge for the Variante della Roggia.
The challenging left-right chicane, like the first two corners, features high and unforgiving kerbs. It is very easy to spin here due to applying too much power, and we may see even more of this in 2014 due to the increased torque levels. A short burst of power leads on to the famous Curve de Lesmos.
This two-part corner will be even more challenging this season thanks to the regulation changes. The first right-hander is slightly banked, with the second being a little bit faster. A good exit here is important for the long run to the Variante Ascari.
The straight – which is where the second DRS zone will be positioned - features a gentle left-hand bend and heads downhill first, before then heading uphill for the eighth, ninth and 10th corners.
The braking zone for the first part of the Variante Ascari section is bumpy and tricky, as the drivers pass under the famous banking of the old oval track. The first part is a medium-speed left-hander, with speed gently increasing through the following right.
Turn 10 used to be taken flat-out (that could change this year) and there is plenty of run-off area on the exit of the left-hander. Getting the entry to the first part right is crucial to carry momentum through the next two corners and onto the next long straight.
The iconic Parabolica hairpin is approached at close to 210mph, with a heavy braking zone for the entry. Speed gradually builds during the long final corner, providing a sling-shot onto the start/finish straight.
Changes have been made for this year, with the gravel trap being replaced by tarmac run-off area. It has received a mixed reaction, with some drivers praising the move for safety and others criticising it.
The majority of the teams will bring Monza-specific, low downforce front and rear wings to the Italian Grand Prix. Aerodynamic efficiency, high engine power and braking stability are all crucial ingredients for a fast lap around the circuit.
As the long straights are broken up by tight chicanes, brake management is an important factor during a race at Monza. Meanwhile the gearbox and power-units will come under huge amounts of stress as well. This could cause more reliability issues and with several drivers close to the limit of power-unit elements allowed, we could see some grid penalties.
Strategy is often less important due to the large time lost during a pit stop at the track, so a good grid position is crucial. The hard and medium compound tyres will be taken to the event by Pirelli. The teams using the Mercedes power-unit will certainly be strong over the race weekend and those without it will find it tricky to overtake them.
Mercedes AMG Petronas will undoubtedly be the outfit to beat once again, but the Brackley-based outfit is searching for its first victory since Germany following Daniel Ricciardo’s triumphs in Hungary and Belgium.
Red Bull Racing didn’t expect to be able to challenge for wins at Spa-Francorchamps but the car proved to be competitive and Ricciardo was there to take advantage of Mercedes’ struggles for the third time this year. Despite the Renault power-unit lacking the power of its rivals, don’t rule Red Bull out just yet. Ferrari should also be able to challenge near the front of the field.
Last year’s event saw Vettel storm to his third win at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. It was his sixth victory of the season and his second in a row – he would later go on to win all seven of the remaining races.
Despite car problems, gearbox concerns and a flat-spotted tyre, he managed to dominate the race and win by 5.5 seconds from Alonso and Mark Webber. Lewis Hamilton started from 12th place on the grid after being blocked in qualifying, but could only recover to ninth after a slow puncture caused him to switch to a two-stop strategy.
Monza is a circuit situated in the perfect location. It is set in the pretty parkland of the Royal Villa of Monza, with campsites lying just metres from the track and plenty of hotels to choose from in and around Milan, as well as easy transport links.
It is one of the most historic and iconic races on the F1 calendar, but who will it be standing in front of the fanatical crowds on the unique and special podium? We will have to wait and see, it should be a thrilling weekend of racing.
Italian Grand Prix Fact File:
Location: Monza, Italy
Track Length: 3.600 miles
Direction: Clockwise
Turns: 11
Laps: 53
First race: 1950
Lap record: Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari, 2004, 1:21.046
Tyre compounds: Hard and medium
2013 race winner: Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing
2013 pole position: Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing, 1:23.755
2013 fastest lap: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:25.849
Live on: Sky Sports F1 and BBC (Both in HD)
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Following the dramatic Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, the sport now heads to another classic track for the final European race of the season.
Set in the stunning parkland of the Royal Villa of Monza, the area is steeped in motorsport history with the modern Monza circuit running just metres away from the classic oval that hosted the Italian Grand Prix decades ago.
This year’s event will be the 65th time that it has appeared on the F1 schedule and the 63rd time the race has taken place at Monza, with Imola hosting just one Italian Grand Prix in 1980.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
It is one of four circuits – along with Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and the Circuit de Monaco – to have appeared on the calendar for the inaugural Formula 1 season back in 1950.
It has remained the sport’s fastest track, despite the addition of several chicanes over the years to slow the cars down. It features three long straights and four flat-out sections. With the new 2014 power-units, it could be possible to see top speeds of 360kph (over 220mph).
Of course, the race is known not only for its incredible racing and history, but also the fanatical supporters that visit the circuit over the weekend. Home to Ferrari’s Tifosi, who pack the grandstand and create a sea of red, the Maranello-based outfit hasn’t scored a victory at the Monza circuit since 2010.
It looks unlikely that Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen will add to Ferrari’s table-topping tally of 18 Italian Grand Prix F1 victories this season, thanks to the dominance of Mercedes AMG Petronas and the strength of the Mercedes power-unit.
However, we have seen the Brackley-based outfit lose out on top results over the last few races. Obviously Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided at the Belgian Grand Prix and despite crucial talks at the team’s factory, tensions will remain high within Mercedes as the end of the year edges closer.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the Italian Grand Prix, having won the event five times (four of which were when he was driving for Ferrari). Nelson Piquet took four victories – three at Monza and one at Imola – while Sebastian Vettel is the most successful current driver with three triumphs.
A lap of the 3.600 mile circuit begins on the long start/finish straight, with the pit lane entry and exit to the right. The first two corners make up the Variante del Rettifilo chicane, which is approached at well over 210mph.
Drivers previously applied the brakes 120 metres before the first apex, but this will certainly change due to the new-for-2014 brake-by-wire system. Stability during deceleration is crucial at the Monza circuit due to the number of straights that are followed by slow corners.
The tricky right-left chicane is difficult to get right and is notorious for first lap crashes (for example, 2011). It is the best overtaking place on the track, particularly as it follows the first DRS zone, and the run-off area and escape road helps to save those who get it wrong.
Traction out of the chicane is crucial for the long run under the trees and through the flat-out Curva Grande. The long, sweeping bend is the final corner in the first sector; with the second part of the lap starting as the cars hit the brakes and head under the bridge for the Variante della Roggia.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
The challenging left-right chicane, like the first two corners, features high and unforgiving kerbs. It is very easy to spin here due to applying too much power, and we may see even more of this in 2014 due to the increased torque levels. A short burst of power leads on to the famous Curve de Lesmos.
This two-part corner will be even more challenging this season thanks to the regulation changes. The first right-hander is slightly banked, with the second being a little bit faster. A good exit here is important for the long run to the Variante Ascari.
The straight – which is where the second DRS zone will be positioned - features a gentle left-hand bend and heads downhill first, before then heading uphill for the eighth, ninth and 10th corners.
The braking zone for the first part of the Variante Ascari section is bumpy and tricky, as the drivers pass under the famous banking of the old oval track. The first part is a medium-speed left-hander, with speed gently increasing through the following right.
Turn 10 used to be taken flat-out (that could change this year) and there is plenty of run-off area on the exit of the left-hander. Getting the entry to the first part right is crucial to carry momentum through the next two corners and onto the next long straight.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
The iconic Parabolica hairpin is approached at close to 210mph, with a heavy braking zone for the entry. Speed gradually builds during the long final corner, providing a sling-shot onto the start/finish straight.
Changes have been made for this year, with the gravel trap being replaced by tarmac run-off area. It has received a mixed reaction, with some drivers praising the move for safety and others criticising it.
The majority of the teams will bring Monza-specific, low downforce front and rear wings to the Italian Grand Prix. Aerodynamic efficiency, high engine power and braking stability are all crucial ingredients for a fast lap around the circuit.
As the long straights are broken up by tight chicanes, brake management is an important factor during a race at Monza. Meanwhile the gearbox and power-units will come under huge amounts of stress as well. This could cause more reliability issues and with several drivers close to the limit of power-unit elements allowed, we could see some grid penalties.
Strategy is often less important due to the large time lost during a pit stop at the track, so a good grid position is crucial. The hard and medium compound tyres will be taken to the event by Pirelli. The teams using the Mercedes power-unit will certainly be strong over the race weekend and those without it will find it tricky to overtake them.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Mercedes AMG Petronas will undoubtedly be the outfit to beat once again, but the Brackley-based outfit is searching for its first victory since Germany following Daniel Ricciardo’s triumphs in Hungary and Belgium.
Red Bull Racing didn’t expect to be able to challenge for wins at Spa-Francorchamps but the car proved to be competitive and Ricciardo was there to take advantage of Mercedes’ struggles for the third time this year. Despite the Renault power-unit lacking the power of its rivals, don’t rule Red Bull out just yet. Ferrari should also be able to challenge near the front of the field.
Last year’s event saw Vettel storm to his third win at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. It was his sixth victory of the season and his second in a row – he would later go on to win all seven of the remaining races.
Despite car problems, gearbox concerns and a flat-spotted tyre, he managed to dominate the race and win by 5.5 seconds from Alonso and Mark Webber. Lewis Hamilton started from 12th place on the grid after being blocked in qualifying, but could only recover to ninth after a slow puncture caused him to switch to a two-stop strategy.
Monza is a circuit situated in the perfect location. It is set in the pretty parkland of the Royal Villa of Monza, with campsites lying just metres from the track and plenty of hotels to choose from in and around Milan, as well as easy transport links.
It is one of the most historic and iconic races on the F1 calendar, but who will it be standing in front of the fanatical crowds on the unique and special podium? We will have to wait and see, it should be a thrilling weekend of racing.
 |
| © Formula1.com |
Italian Grand Prix Fact File:
Location: Monza, Italy
Track Length: 3.600 miles
Direction: Clockwise
Turns: 11
Laps: 53
First race: 1950
Lap record: Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari, 2004, 1:21.046
Tyre compounds: Hard and medium
2013 race winner: Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing
2013 pole position: Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing, 1:23.755
2013 fastest lap: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:25.849
Live on: Sky Sports F1 and BBC (Both in HD)
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