'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Monza track
Located in a picturesque royal park, 30 minutes north of Milan, Monza is known as the Cathedral of Speed.
Its heritage is unparalleled; racing cars have been witnessed in combat around this Italian royal park going all the way back to 1922, and the layout, other than the addition of chicanes and the coming and going of a fearsome banking section, has for the most part remained untouched in that time. Only in one season, 1980, did Monza not feature on an F1 calendar. No other track, not even Monaco, can boast close to that level of ubiquity. It has been the scene of the most astonishing and gallant triumph, the most enthralling stipstreaming battle and breathtaking split second finishes, as well as the most horrific tragedy. All of the greats have passed through Monza's gates. Many drivers have been defined here; some have perished.
Times have changed
Only Monza remained to give the audience and the fans enthralling race experience but in today's modern era this temple of speed is having its existence challenged. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says F1 may drop Monza from the calendar after 2016 because of concerns over the commercial viability of one of the sport's most historic circuit.
Monza's struggles to put together a commercial package may be linked with the alarming drop of TV viewers in Italy, which Ecclestone thinks is because of Ferrari's recent downturn in fortunes. But irrespective of future speculations Monza will definitely turn up to be an interesting race this season worth intense battles reading on for every position amongst the drivers as well as teams.
Built in the Royal Villa of Monza park in a woodland setting, the site has three tracks – the 5.793 kilometre Grand Prix track, the 2.405 kilometre Junior track, and a 4.250 kilometre high speed oval track with steep bankings which has been unused for many decades and is now decaying. The major features of the main Grand Prix track include the Curva Grande, the Curva di Lesmo, the Variante Ascari and the Curva Parabolica. The high speed curve, Curva Grande, is located after the Variante del Rettifilo which is located at the end of the front straight or Rettifilo Tribune, and is usually taken flat out by Formula One cars. Drivers are on full throttle for most of the lap due to its long straights and fast corners.
Driver skills will be tested
The circuit is generally flat, but has a gradual gradient from the second Lesmos to the Variante Ascari. Due to the low aerodynamic profile needed, with its resulting low downforce, grip is very low; understeer is a more serious issue than at other circuits. However, the opposite effect, oversteer, is also present in the second sector, requiring the use of a very distinctive opposite lock technique. Since both maximum power and minimal drag are keys for speed on the straights, only competitors with enough power or aerodynamic efficiency at their disposal are able to challenge for the top places.
And this year all the teams are arriving with the skinniest rear wing and it will only be used for Monza. But how drivers cope up with these wings under breaking is something that only the weekend will tell.
The most successful driver at this event is Michael Schumacher, with five wins. Of the current drivers, Sebastian Vettel has the most Italian victories with three. Qualifying has proved key at Monza in recent years. Seven of the last 10 races have been won from pole.
With their superior pace on both Saturday and Sunday, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are strong favourite but could Daniel Ricciardo once again spoil the Mercedes party?
Mercedes
After the Lewis and Nico clash in Belgium, Mercedes decided on letting it's drivers race each other freely, but has warned them that if a similar incident follows then there will be strict repercussions. How Lewis fares from his gutted last race is something to see forward to. After a 29 points deficit will his intensity wane or will we see a more aggressive Lewis? Only Sunday will tell.
The same goes with Nico too after facing a lot of criticism from Mercedes bosses, fellow drivers, F1 legends, media personnel and fans how Nico's morale remains for the rest of the season will be known in Monza.
Reb bull
After winning in circuits where they least expected to win, Red bull will again hope for a stellar performance and they should as once again they face in a circuit unfavourable to them at least on paper so once again Riccardo luck may shine on them.
Daniel will definitely be in a high after a third unexpected but well deserved win. He will surely try to increase his tally to 4 if the Mercedes duo clash again. Vettel on the other hand will try build on his regaining momentum to out run his team mate.
Ferrari
How Ferrari fares at their home ground will be the biggest news and area of interest in Monza. Other than a low down force rear wing what other upgrades Ferrari bring for F14 T remains too be seen. While hopes will be pinned on Alonso and a resurgent Kimi to deliver high results, how many tifosi turns out on following another unimpressive and uncompetitive year.
Williams
Monza is another circuit which should play to William's strength at least on paper.
Bottas is expected to finish on podium once again, while the most expected from Massa will be to avoid the cruel mistress of luck on the very first corner.
McLaren
The team which has been in the news lately for a lot of tumultuous speculations regarding its driver line-up for the next season. How Button who's looking at uncertain times ahead keeps his head high and arrive in f1's most iconic circuit will be worth watching. While another impressive wheel to wheel battle is expected from Kevin sans the penalty.
Force India
After running as high as third in constructor championship during the start of this season force India finally find themselves at 6th position which is true indicator of their budget limitations rather than their talent.
Hulkenberg and Perez found some points from the last race after starting from 18th and 13th respectively on the grid. Both the drivers have speculated good results from Monza but for that the team requires a good qualifying session.
Toro Rosso
Toro Rosso continue to score points with Kvyat but its Vergne who continues to be in the limelight following the announcement of his ousting from the team for the next year.
Lotus
Lotus hopes to put an improved result in Monza. They're especially pinning their hopes on Monza to gain a momentum for the upcoming venues especially Singapore. Sauber, Caterham, Marussia battles will once again round up the backmarkers news.
With weather expected to be rainy during Saturday we may see a shuffled pecking order for Sunday but with dry predictions during the race day, Mercedes powered teams are expected to dominate.
