From Spa-Francorchamps to Monza it’s back to back classic tracks in just one week. Monza is the third oldest permanent circuit in the world, after Brooklands in the UK and Indianapolis in the USA. Like Brooklands and Indianapolis, Monza was built as an oval, but only the road course has been used for the Italian Grand Prix since 1962, after Wolfgang von Trips and 15 spectators were killed following a high-speed crash the previous year.
In Italy, Formula 1 means Ferrari. And Monza is where the relationship is consummated. The home of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, Monza is a race track like no other. This is no featureless former aerodrome, like Silverstone, or characterless monument to a government’s ambition, like so many of F1’s newer circuits. Monza is achingly beautiful. And it is steeped in an atmosphere born of a rich history almost as long as that of motorsport itself.
Statistically, pole position at the Italian Grand Prix is more important than at Monaco. The winner at Monza has started from pole in 13 of the last 18 races, which means that for Scuderia Ferrarid drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel, preparations ahead of the qualifying session on Saturday will be even more important at Ferrari’s home race.
Follow us for the latest updates and results from the Autodromo Nazionale Monza as the first practice session ahead of the 2017 Italian Grand Prix is about to get underway, with Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen at the wheel of the SF70H.
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