Panasonic Toyota Racing driver Ralf Schumacher is looking forward to his first race at Monza for the Cologne based squad as the Italian event is such a special event steeped with motor racing history. The younger Schumacher does not usually sing about the traditions of grand prix racing, but a trip to Monza is enough to stir even his interest in the F1 of days gone by.

"You can tell that Monza is somewhere special. I am not deeply into the sport's heritage like some people but the setting is great, and you just have to see the old banking to appreciate the history,” he said. “That is pushed even further by the track's surroundings in the Royal Park and the nearby Villa Reale. The fans, of course, are unique, even if most of them are supporting the other red car!”

Ralf enjoys the unique challenges associated with the fastest circuit on the Formula One calendar and not just the fast sections of the circuit. However, this year the challenge will be greater with the two races per engine rule and Ralf will be using the same powerplant that saw him through the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix two weeks ago…

“Monza is very fast with long straights interspersed by chicanes. You have to be very precise to gain as much momentum as possible, so I enjoy the challenge of moving from the fast to slow sections. You run the car in low downforce trim and so it can feel 'loose.' You try to counter that with the set-up because you want to have confidence under the heavy braking needed, especially for the first chicane. The car's behaviour on the kerbs is also important and the track is perhaps the most demanding of the season for engines. This year, with the two-race engines, it will be an even tougher challenge."