A step away from previous rounds, Monza, the home of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, marks a return to power track territory. The 5.793km circuit in the Old Royal Park is the last remaining high speed track on the calendar and so requires the lowest downforce arrangement seen all year. Monza's chicanes and four key corners, however, also demand a balancing aerodynamic efficiency to ensure a smooth transition over the harsh kerbs.

A traditional power track, engines are put through their paces over the weekend as they consistently reach speeds of 350km/h and endure a full throttle ratio of 76 percent per lap. With such high top speeds, and an average lap speed of 250km/h, extensive loads are exerted on the brakes during each braking event.

Turn one, for example, sees drivers brake so hard into the corner, they experience 5g. Accordingly, brake durability is crucial while a car's stability under braking is also important at Monza where the track surface is notoriously bumpy. With an approximate 25 second penalty for each pitstop, the Italian Grand Prix is invariably a one stop race. With several overtaking opportunities over the lap, the penultimate European round will no doubt be an engaging one.

“We have Monza coming up this weekend, which is always a special race because of the Tifosi. I also enjoy the Italian lifestyle, so it's nice to spend a few days there,” said Williams racer Alex Wurz. “The circuit is the last remaining high speed track on the calendar and I really like driving it. It always takes a while to get used to it but once you've adapted your driving style and tuned your brain into it, it's challenging, but it's great. I usually have good races at Monza, so I hope that continues for the coming race weekend. I want to chase a few more points to keep ahead of my team mate and so the team can move comfortably ahead of Red Bull and Toyota.”

As is normal for Monza, the Grove based squad will run a different front wing, rear wing and bodywork package to enable the car to cope with the high top speeds. The teams will probably opt for either one or two stop pit stop strategies this weekend and as we are expecting fairly neutral weather, with temperatures in the mid 20s, there should be no repeat of the massive thunderstorms that nearly washed away the recent test here.