What's at stake at Monza?

This weekend sees the F1 teams congregating at Monza for one of the most prestigious races on the calendar. The Italian track is unique; it is part of F1 legend and its layout requires a one-off aerodynamic package. Since the disappearance of Hockenheim, Monza is the last of the truly high-speed Formula 1 circuits.

These two teams have won every race since the start of the season. In Italy, Ferrari will be on home turf and will be out to confirm its superiority. In Istanbul, the red cars gave their rivals no quarter and closed the gap to McLaren in the constructors’ championship to 11 points. During last week’s test session at Monza the McLarens seemed quicker. But the Scuderia is not worried. The aerodynamic efficiency of the F2007 and the layout would appear to favour the Italian cars. Ferrari’s ambition is to win all the remaining races.

Once again this will be another very tense weekend. Besides the battle between Ferrari and McLaren on the track, there is another struggle going on behind the scenes. The FIA has decided to call the world championship leaders before the World Council again. The Federation has discovered new evidence in the spying affair that has brought the two teams into conflict. Officially, McLaren risks exclusion from both the 2007 and 2008 championships. In addition, the British team has appealed against the decision of the stewards that prevented it from scoring points in the constructors’ championship in Hungary. Furthermore, the relationship between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton remains strained and only 5 points separate the two in the drivers’ world championship. There can be no doubt that off-track problems could have an impact on the Woking team’s performance at Monza. It may be difficulty for them to concentrate fully on the race.

The ING Renault F1 Team is counting on its exemplary reliability and an effective low downforce package to seize the slightest opportunity at Monza. “Monza is a fast circuit so good top speed’s essential,’ says Heikki Kovalainen. “But what I think is even more important is to concentrate on the exit from the corners, to be able to accelerate as soon as possible and take full advantage of the engine’s power before the car starts to slide.”

The battle for fifth place in the constructors’ championship rages between Williams, Red Bull and Toyota. There are 5 races left and the situation between the 3 teams could undergo a sea change very quickly as reliability is the key factor. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for them to get into the top 8. Should one of them manage to do so between now and Sao Paulo, they cannot afford to squander such an opportunity.