The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza is bursting with motorsport tradition and remains one of the most challenging circuits in the world. Possessing a unique character and ambience, Monza is Formula One's oldest road course and despite being altered from its original layout in the interests of safety, it is still the fastest circuit on the calendar.

Due to the pace of the circuit, cars must be set up with the lowest downforce levels possible without causing stability problems under braking. They must also be able to ride the Monza kerbs effectively and remain well balanced without too much understeer at high speed. In addition, good traction is important for exiting the Rettifilo and Roggia chicanes effectively and braking must be optimised to cope with the very high temperatures generated when drivers slow from top speed to negotiate these low speed sections.

Overtaking is possible at the first and second chicanes but the fast corners before each passing place make it hard to follow another car closely due to modern aerodynamics and races can become quickly strung out. These days, the slipstreaming manoeuvres seen in the past tend to take place only when cars on two-stop strategies have a significant performance advantage over heavier one-stoppers.

"Monza is quite simply one of the most special races on the Formula One calendar and it is a real honour to race around the legendary circuit,” said Rubens Barrichello. “Some of my favourite racing memories took place at this track, particularly my victories here in 2004 and 2002. The atmosphere over the race weekend takes some beating and you can really feel the history of all the great races that have taken place over the years.”

“In terms of the track itself, Monza is the quickest circuit on the calendar, featuring very long straights where top speeds are in the region of 340kph so the power of the engine is very important. The cars are run in the lowest downforce configuration of the year, with stability under braking and the ability to use the kerbs being crucial to getting a good lap. We tested at Monza last week in preparation for the race, focusing on the required set-up and evaluating the tyre options. We set some reasonable lap times and the car reacted well so I am fairly happy going into the race weekend."