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2006 FORMULA 1 ITALIAN GP  

• Kovalainen TO MAKE F1 DEBUT (SEP 7, 2006)
• MIDLAND F1 TEAM SOLD TO SPYKER (SEP 10, 2006)
• BEFORE RACE, B ECCLESTONE (F1): "Schumacher will end his career at Ferrari. I think he will stop at the end of 2006"

FERRARI STATEMENT - SCHUMACHER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

• Michael Schumacher will retire from race driving at the end of the 2006 World Championship Whatever the final result of this year's championship, Michael leaves Formula 1 holding almost all the records. To date, he has taken seven Drivers' world titles and has contributed to the same number of team wins in the Constructors' Championship. He has taken part in 247 Formula 1 Grands Prix (178 of them at the wheel of a Ferrari,) won 90 (71,) been on pole 68 (58) times, setting 75 (52) fastest race laps. He has amassed a total of 1354 points, 1051 of them in a Maranello car. No one in the world of motor racing has done better.
• Following his decision, the only record that will elude him is the one for the number of race starts. He will be able to reach the 250 mark, just six short of the record held by Riccardo Patrese. Schumacher has been with Scuderia Ferrari for eleven seasons, a demonstration of loyalty without equal in Formula 1, to date securing five of his Drivers' titles here and contributing to six of the team's Constructors' titles. No other driver has ever won as much with the Scuderia.
• "I had always said that the decision to retire would be his alone, but now that decision has been taken, I feel a sense of sadness," commented Ferrari President and CEO, Luca di Montezemolo. "We have lived through some unforgettable times together, some good some bad, achieving results that will be hard to equal. To Michael goes the thanks of everyone in the company and supporters of Ferrari for all the dedication he has shown to our colours, for the determination and courage with which he has worked, which has provided immense satisfaction. He is both sincere and passionate and has earned the affection of all of us and of our fans. His relationship with Maranello will continue, albeit in a different form and I am very happy about that."
• "Michael has been the author of a unique chapter in the history of Formula 1 and of Ferrari in particular. It has yet to reach its conclusion and what he has achieved extends over and above the results obtained," added Managing Director, Jean Todt. "He is an exceptional man and will become a legend as a driver. For me personally, he is a great friend and together we have lived through unrepeatable experiences. Having had the opportunity to work alongside him has been and will continue to be a privilege."
• "Words are not enough and whatever I could say now will never fully express how much I love this fascinating world of motor sport and all it has given me," said Michael Schumacher. "From go-karting to Formula 1, I have lived through moments that I will never forget. I am profoundly grateful for everything I have had. I want to thank everyone who has accompanied me, supported and inspired me, right back to the days of my childhood. Above all, a special thanks goes to Corinna and our two children, who have given me the strength to do what I have done. All these years in Formula 1 have been amazing, especially those spent alongside my friends in the Scuderia. Soon my future will belong to my family, while I am happy to be still part of Ferrari. But for now, what matters is this world championship."
• At the end of the year, as is traditional, we will announce the new team organisation, which will also include a definition of Michael's new role.

RACE REPORT - BMW   (TOP OF PAGE)

• The BMW Sauber F1 Team celebrated the second podium finish of its first season in Monza. Twenty-one-year-old Robert Kubica came third in Italy, while the first podium was for Nick Heidfeld in Hungary. Despite a drive through penalty in the race, Nick finished eighth and scored a point. This excellent result has promoted the team to fifth in the Constructors' Championship.
• Robert Kubica: "Before the race some guys from the team came to me and told me they would like to see me on the podium, I thought it was a joke and now we are here. This time we knew we had good tyres, not only for qualifying but also for the race, unlike in Istanbul. When we got easily into qualifying three we also knew we had quite a consistent car for the race."
• "I had a good start, but unfortunately locked the front wheels in the first corner, had flat spots and the first stint was quite difficult as I had a vibration. It was always a tough race as I had to fight with Massa and Alonso. Lapping the guys did not help as I was the first one of the group to lap them and I always lost one second."
• "I came out of the second pit stop side by side with Alonso. Then his engine blew up and it was really risky as there was oil, Massa went off and I think had a puncture. The end of the race was quite easy for me and I just had to bring the car home. I now have the first podium of my life in Formula 1. I want to thank the team for giving me this opportunity - we all are very, very proud."
• Nick Heidfeld: "It is a fantastic result for our team. Yesterday I was third in qualifying and today Robert is third in the race. Over the last few GP we have made real improvements and I hope we can keep up this momentum for the overseas races. Of course, I am not too happy with my own result today. I had a superb start. I was ahead of Michael when we entered the first corner. He came alongside me and I had to move onto the dirt, but the manoeuvre was okay."
• "I got a lot of dirt on the tyres and this was my handicap for the whole of the first lap. Later the pace was good, but then I got the drive through penalty. Towards the end of the race I was faster than Trulli, but couldn't attack. I had an opportunity in turn one, but Alonso's engine oil was on the line I would use for this.
• Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
• "Third and eighth in the race are the crowning glory of a fantastic weekend for our young team. In qualifying our cars were quick with and without fuel, and we confirmed this in today's race. I am particularly happy with our second podium within five weeks because it also justifies our decision to put Robert in the race car."
• "Nick also drove a strong race. Unfortunately he broke the speed limit during his first pit stop, but despite the penalty he managed to score a point. Compliments to our team in Monza, Hinwil and Munich
• Willy Rampf (Technical Director):
• "A fantastic result for the entire team. Robert made an excellent start, improving from sixth to third. Later he was under big pressure from Massa and he withstood it without making any mistakes. He drove a perfect race and got us our second podium."
• "After a diffcult race Nick also managed to get one point. Both cars not only ran trouble free over the entire weekend, but were also very competitive. This is thanks to the superb preparation work by the entire team."

RACE REPORT - McLAREN   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Team McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen finished today's Italian Grand Prix in second place after starting the race from pole position. Team mate Pedro de la Rosa was forced to retire on lap 21 with an engine failure. Both drivers were on two-stop strategies with Kimi stopping on laps 15 (8.9 seconds) and 38 (5.9 seconds) and Pedro on lap 14 (10.1 seconds).
• Team McLaren Mercedes remains third in the Constructors' World Championship with 97 points. Kimi is fifth with 57 points, Juan Pablo Montoya seventh with 26 points and Pedro 11th with 14 points.
• Kimi Raikkonen: "I'm happy with my second place here in Monza. All in all this was a good weekend for us, and the team has done a fantastic job. We have improved our starting system, which helped me a lot on the run to the first corner. I was controlling the race until my first pit stop but the fact that Michael was able to stay out for one more lap than me eventually decided the outcome of the race."
• Pedro de la Rosa: "I lost a place at the start to slot into eighth. After that I was stuck behind cars, so I never really found out how quick I could have been. My first pit stop went as planned. We put a lot of fuel in the car to ensure a long second stint which was aimed to get me in clean air at the end. However all of sudden the engine failed, I had to stop the car and that was the end of the race for me. It is a pity as our package was very competitive today."
• Ron Dennis: "A good drive from Kimi. A single lap of more fuel in the first stint could have turned second into a possible victory , but that's racing. Pedro suffered a rare engine failure, which meant an early end to his race. The result shows how the team's relentless efforts and disciplined approach throughout this weekend led to a positive result."
• "Irrespective of the announcement of Kimi's future , and of course we wish him all the best , the entire team will continue to focus on the balance of this season where race wins are still possible as illustrated by today's result."
• Norbert Haug: "Second position, pole position, fastest lap and finishing as best Michelin team is a good job by the team and Kimi. We have been close to Michael Schumacher and not too much was missing to win today."
• "Congratulations to Michael. For me it is sad to learn that he will retire after this season. With his retirement an era of Formula One racing ends. As already stated in our separate press release we all wish Kimi who will leave us at the end of the year all the best."
• "Unfortunately Pedro suffered an engine failure, the cause of which is currently investigated. We will now work hard before the last three overseas races in order to do one better than today."

2006 QUALIFYING

QUALIFYING REPORT - McLAREN   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Team McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen will start Sunday's Italian Grand Prix at Monza from pole position. In a thrilling third qualifying session he set a time of 1:21.484 and edged out Michael Schumacher's Ferrari by two thousands of a second. It's the third pole position of the season for both Team McLaren Mercedes and the Finn. It's Kimi's 11th career pole. Team mate Pedro de la Rosa qualified eighth fastest with a 1:22.280.
• Kimi Raikkonen: "A good weekend for us so far. I'm pleased to be on pole position, and it wasn't even a particularly good lap as I had two big moments in Ascari. I was not here at the test last week, but the team, Pedro and Gary did a fantastic job, and we have a very good tyre from Michelin."
• "The race tomorrow will be tough, but we will certainly give it our best shot. I'm confident that Michelin is well prepared for the race. The car has been working well, and I want to remain at the front and look forward to achieving that."
• Pedro de la Rosa: "A very good qualifying for Kimi, the team and me. I was lucky not to have any traffic in my runs and I'm relieved as I just made it into the final session on my last run, and it was a bit too close for comfort. The balance of the car was excellent even with the lower downforce configuration that we ran today. I'm looking forward to a strong race tomorrow."
• Ron Dennis: "A strong performance by Kimi and the team. I'm pleased with the progress we have made since the test last week and continued throughout the weekend. We will see what happens in the race tomorrow but are confident that both Kimi and Pedro's race strategies will help to deliver a positive result."
• Norbert Haug: "A good pole position lap of Kimi's even if it's only two thousandths of a second to the second placed Ferrari of Michael Schumacher. This is the perfect basis for tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix. This is Kimi's third pole in the last four races, and ideally we want to achieve the same result tomorrow. Pedro did a good job, he has to run the second race with his engine which is always a small handicap for any driver."

QUALIFYING REPORT - FERRARI   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Jean Todt: "Qualifying was as close fought as it was exciting. The top six are all within half a second, which bears witness to how evenly matched it is, although we have to bear in mind the unknowns in terms of the various fuel loads. Michael drove a great lap, losing out on pole by just two thousandths. But what matters is his position relative to his rival in the title fight. A shame for Felipe, who could have been on the front row but for his encounter with traffic on his final run."
• "We are perfectly aware just how important is the outcome of this race in terms of the fight for both titles. For our part, we know we can count on having a very competitive car and on the support of our technical partners, first and foremost, Bridgestone and Shell. The decisive factors tomorrow? The usual ones, which means reliability, tyre performance, strategy, team work and the bravura of the drivers."
• "One element that is different here is that we can count on the support of our home fans who are here at this track in greater numbers than we have ever seen in one of our two home Grands Prix. Swelling their ranks are the members of our staff and their families and seeing them here cheering us on is very gratifying."
• Michael Schumacher, 2ND: "The car worked well, running strongly and consistently and this is a good position to be in. But, it would have been nice to be on pole here at home in front of the tifosi and it was very close losing it by just two thousandths of a second, but tomorrow is the more important date."
• "I am also happy for Nick, as it is nice to see another German on the qualifying "podium." Fernando? Of course it is better than if he was next to me or in front of me! It does not look too bad for the championship and it would be nice if tomorrow's result was like today's or hopefully even a little bit better."
• Felipe Massa: "Fourth place is not so bad, but it's a shame I was unable to exploit the full potential available to me. In fact, on Q3 on my last run, I came up behind Alonso who was also setting out on his quick lap. I lost at least three tenths! It's a shame, because I felt capable of putting it on the front row. But, having said that, I think that our strategy and our package we can expect a good result, which will be vital in the fight for the two titles."
• Ross Brawn: "We were very pleased with the car at the test and also so far this weekend. We have a strong strategy and I think it will evolve well during the race, so I am very happy with the way qualifying went for Michael. However, I am bit disappointed for Felipe, because he got held up by traffic in Q3 on his second run. A shame, as he could have improved, because he was quicker in T1 and T2 than on his earlier attempts."
• "But the cars are very good, the Bridgestone tyre performance is consistent and we can also count on the support of an exceptional technical partner in the shape of Shell, so there is a lot to look forward to tomorrow, especially when you look at where our closest rivals are."

QUALIFYING REPORT - BMW   (TOP OF PAGE)

• The BMW Sauber F1 Team managed to top its previous best qualifying result, achieved just two weeks ago in Istanbul. Nick Heidfeld qualified third at the Italian high-speed track of Monza. Robert Kubica came seventh in the exciting qualifying session. For the fifth time in total and for the second consecutive race the young team managed to get both its BMW Sauber F1.06 cars into the top ten of qualifying.
• Nick Heidfeld, 3RD: "This was pretty unexpected. The recent test was not bad, but we didn't know how we would go once we got here. I think this is my best qualifying lap of the year, although I lost time in the second sector. We opted for low downforce and it suits our car. Before we were quick in practice, but could not carry it over to qualifying. We have seen a change of trend in the last two races as we have been able to take this speed over to qualifying."
• "I had a well balanced car and we made a good tyre choice, which was not easy as both types of tyres we have are good. The race will be difficult, but as I am starting third my aim is to finish third! As a new team we are very, very happy.
• Robert Kubica: "This was another good qualifying for us. In all my three F1 race qualifyings I was in the top ten times, but I ruined my last lap time. At the first Lesmo I went wide and with the tyres dirty I was sliding a lot in the second Lesmo. I'm pretty optimistic for the race as I believe we have chosen the right tyres."
• Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): "That was a great qualifying for our team with the best result so far this season. For the first time one of our cars, with Nick driving, has made it onto the second row of the grid. Everything worked out perfectly for Nick."
• "Unfortunately Robert made a mistake in the second sector on his final fast lap. Despite this, starting seventh is also a good position for him. It was very positive that in the second and third parts of qualifying we were equally as good with and without fuel. Compliments to the team here in Monza and also to everyone else working in Hinwil and Munich.
• Willy Rampf (Technical Director):
• "After the third free practice we were optimistic about getting both cars into qualifying three. However, in the end it was a surprise to achieve such a great result. Nick did a perfect job and Robert delivered a strong performance. As well as that, the team played a crucial role in doing its job with the utmost precision."
• "This result also shows we have increased the speed of our development, so were able to use a perfectly balanced low downforce package on this high speed track. Compliments to the whole team."

QUALIFYING REPORT - HONDA   (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Honda Racing F1 Team's Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello made it through to the final qualifying session in Monza today, in which they posted the 6th and 9th fastest laps respectively. They will line up on the 3rd and 5th rows of the grid for the start of tomorrow's 53 lap Italian Grand Prix.
• With both drivers feeling comfortable with the car's long run pace this bodes well for tomorrow when the team will be targeting its third consecutive double points finish.
• Jenson Button, 5TH: "I'm really pleased with how qualifying has gone today. We were a little bit apprehensive because we didn't get to run any new tyres in free practice this morning and when I went out in qualifying one there was a red flag, so we still hadn't run any new tyres by the end of that session. I got through Q1 and Q2 though and in Q3 the long run pace was very good, which bodes well for tomorrow."
• "On one lap we still couldn't get a strong lap out of the car until my last qualy run when I put it 6th on the grid. I'm happy. I got everything I could out of the car and the most important thing is that we know we are competitive for the race, so a similar story to Turkey really."
• Rubens Barrichello: "Qualifying went well today considering that I didn't do any running on Friday, so a top ten finish with both cars is pretty good. Our race pace is good and I think we're quite confident with the strategy, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
• Gil de Ferran, Sporting Director: "Today was a much better day. Both cars ran well this morning and, as predicted, were handling well despite our lack of running so far this weekend. In qualifying both drivers did a great job to comfortably make it through to the last qualifying round and get the most out of the car in Q3. We suspect there are a variety of strategies at play for tomorrow with tyres and fuel. Our car is working well in race trim and we look forward to a good race."

FERRARI FRIDAY REPORT   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Jean Todt: "Here we are at Monza for our second home Grand Prix after the one at Imola. There are four races remaining to the end of the season and our aim is very clear, even if we know it will be very hard to achieve. Today we did not do as much running as usual, as we tested here for three days last week."
• "We are happy to be racing in front of our fans, especially those members of the Scuderia Ferrari Club, here from all over Italy, watching today from a grandstand reserved for them at the Parabolica. Tomorrow and Sunday, in this same grandstand will be our staff, which will give us a further motivation - not that any more is needed - to do our best to secure the result we want so much."
• Michael Schumacher: "It's a bit too early to make any snap judgments. It is only Friday and usually, we see that things can change quickly during the weekend. I would say we had a normal day. The times are slower compared with last week and that is down to the fact the track is not as rubbered-in."
• "Having the same engine that I used in the last grand prix is not a disadvantage compared to my main rival. We have simulated the situation in testing and there were no problems. Of course I want to win, but I don't think the gap we saw today will stay like this through the weekend. However, as usual I will give it my all!"
• Felipe Massa: "Generally a positive day. We worked on confirming what we had seen in testing at this track last week and we are competitive. Again today, the car was very stable and performed consistently and equally good was the performance of the Bridgestone tyres. It all means I can be confident for the rest of the weekend which is a very important one in terms of our chances in both championships."
• Ross Brawn: "After the good results obtained from last week's test, we ran a reduced programme compared to a usual Friday. The main tasks were to check out the cars and tyres and let the drivers get used to the track conditions again. We picked up where we left off at this track last Thursday and so I am confident for the next two days. The only problem was a loss of pressure in the left rear tyre on Michael's car, but it is just a minor inconvenience."

BMW FRIDAY REPORT   (TOP OF PAGE)

• The BMW Sauber F1 Team finished the first day of practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza with its test and reserve driver, Sebastian Vettel, at the top of the time sheets in both sessions. Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld both had a trouble free day completing the work scheduled for them.
• Sebastian Vettel: "This morning it wasn't too easy for me as since the test here I have been driving Formula 3, but the step up from Formula 3 to Formula 1 is easier than the other way round. I really enjoy driving this car as it is just fantastic. Apart from the joy of what I am doing and quick lap times, the most important aspect of my job is to provide the team and the race drivers with valuable information."
• Robert Kubica: "In the first free practice I did just a couple of laps to check the heat in the tyres and that everything was okay. This afternoon I continued with the same set of tyres, and we are quite positive the tyres are working well, at least for me. We have some data from the third car, but it is good I have done some driving so feel safe with our choice. Everyone is trying to keep a low profile so we will see tomorrow where we end up."
• Nick Heidfeld: "So far so good. We didn't have any problems and the tyres we got for Monza from Michelin worked. Our test here was good. The low downforce aero package works. Between the test and the race weekend we made some modifications and we haven't had any surprises yet."
• Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): "It was a good Friday for the team. Sebastian drove the car under different technical conditions and collected a lot of data for the race set up. This was the second Friday on duty for Sebastian, and it was a solid performance demonstrating that even at his young age he is capable of handling this job. Nick and Robert were both satisfied, and we had no technical problems on any of the three cars."
• Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "Following last week's Monza test, our car's set-up was quite good from the start of the day, so we concentrated on fine tuning the car's balance. Sebastian did a good job again and gave us a lot of data and information, which will help us make the right decisions for the race. It was a productive day and a good start to the weekend."

HONDA FRIDAY REPORT   (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Honda Racing F1 Team were back on track in Monza today as free practice got underway for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix - the final race of the European season. After a generally positive test at the circuit one week ago, where the team continued its run of competitive form, today's race weekend preparations were unfortunately curtailed by engine problems with the T-car driven by third driver Anthony Davidson.
• As usual, the intention was for the race drivers to complete a limited number of laps in this morning's session, leaving Anthony to conduct the initial set-up and tyre selection work. Unfortunately Anthony suffered an engine failure on his first timed lap and the car was confined to the garage for an engine change.
• This afternoon, whilst Anthony was doing a competitive long run, the team experienced a further engine failure to the T-car after eight timed laps. Already armed with substantial set-up and tyre data from last week's test, the team opted to cease running whilst it investigated the cause of the problems.
• Anthony Davidson: "Whilst today's problems are obviously disappointing, the positives are that we know the car is competitive here and we have plenty of data from three days' testing here last week. Had this been any other race track we would be really struggling data-wise going into tomorrow but at least we have a good baseline and the car was feeling good. We will have to wait for the outcome of the investigations to talk about how we might fare for the rest of the weekend."
• Gil de Ferran, Sporting director: "Obviousy we had a difficult day with, unusually, two failures occurring very early on in the life of each engine in Anthony's car. Since they were totally unexpected, we elected not to run the race cars until we could gain a better understanding of what was causing them."
• "Needless to say this has not been the best start to the weekend for us as we collected very little data today about cars and tyres, however thankfully we were testing here a week ago so the set-up of the car and tyre choice are more dialled-in than they would otherwise be. We look forward to a better day tomorrow."

McLAREN FRIDAY REPORT   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Team McLaren Mercedes drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Kimi Raikkonen finished today's second practice session for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix at Monza in fifth and sixth places respectively. Pedro did a time of 1m23.970 and Kimi 1m24.034. In the first practice earlier this morning Kimi finished fourth overall with a time of 1m24.037 whilst Pedro only completed an installation lap.
• Kimi Raikkonen: "A good start to the weekend. We checked our race set-up and evaluated the Michelin tyres and are very confident about what direction we are going to take. I like this track, and we will get a clearer picture of what is possible tomorrow."
• Pedro de la Rosa: "We completed our planned programme and gained additional data. I was testing here last week for a few days, so we already had a good basis. It's always challenging to find the right set-up here at Monza as you need to find a compromise between low downforce on the straights and enough grip through the fast corners and chicanes."
• Ron Dennis: "A straightforward practice day where we experienced no problems and completed the planned programme."
• Norbert Haug: "Following last week's test here we focused on further developing our race set-up and are happy with the progress we made."

2006 RACE PREVIEW
BMW  BRIDGESTONE  HONDA  McLAREN  MICHELIN  RENAULT  SHELL  TOYOTA  WILLIAMS

BRIDGESTONE PREVIEW   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Bridgestone aims to keep up momentum in Monza
• Bridgestone Motorsport heads to one of the most famous race courses in the world this week - Monza for round fifteen of the FIA Formula One World Championship. The Italian Grand Prix comes at a crucial point in the championship with Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro just two points behind Renault and Michael Schumacher looking to close the 12 point gap to current leader Fernando Alonso. Bridgestone's remaining teams: Panasonic Toyota Racing, WilliamsF1, MF1 Racing and Super Aguri F1; are also looking to bag some points this weekend.
• All five Bridgestone teams spent three days at the Monza circuit last week, conducting car and Bridgestone tyre tests. Tyre testing for Monza is particularly important due to the track's high speed nature and it enabled Bridgestone to assess approximately 20 specifications of tyre on the 5.793km circuit, much of which has been resurfaced since last year's race.
• Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Motorsport:
• "The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is really very special. It is a home race for both Ferrari and Jarno Trulli and the supporters come out in their thousands to support the teams and watch the action. This is a very important time in the championship and our technical personnel have been working as hard as possible with our teams to make sure they have the right tyres for this weekend."
• "However, we must not forget that this weekend also marks the big finale for the GP2 Series. Lewis Hamilton and Nelson Piquet Jnr will be battling for championship honours and I know we are going to be treated to the same fantastic racing this weekend which we have enjoyed watching all season. Best of luck to them both!"
• Tyres for Monza 5.793km
• The 2006 tyre regulations permit each driver seven sets of dry tyres, four sets of wet weather tyres and three sets of extreme wet weather tyres. Combined with the increased number of teams running with Bridgestone in 2006, approximately 1,200 Bridgestone Potenza Formula One tyres have been sent from the Technical Centre in Kodaira City, Tokyo, to the Monza circuit in Italy.
• Hisao Suganuma, Bridgestone Motorsport Technical Manager:
• "Monza is renowned for being a very high speed circuit and although top speeds are slightly down this year because of the V8 engines, we found in testing that the cars were still reaching 330kph in at least three places. This is something that a tyre manufacturer has to consider very carefully when choosing its tyres because the high speeds result in considerable heat generation within them and consequently tyre degradation can be a factor."
• "Furthermore, the tyres become highly stressed because of the continuous high speed running, which generates large centrifugal forces on the tyres, so construction durability isalso very important. On the other hand, a large section of the track has been resurfaced since our last test in June and the feedback from the drivers has been that this new tarmac is quite smooth and is giving more grip in comparison to the older tarmac."
• "We certainly noticed a reduction in tyre graining compared to June's test particularly on a green track and on the whole, the Bridgestone shod drivers had a very productive test last week, setting times which indicate that this weekend could be a very competitive one. Following this most recent test, it was decided that the Bridgestone teams will be using current specification tyres with compounds from our mid to soft range."

RENAULT PREVIEW  (TOP OF PAGE)

• Q: Fernando, two weeks on from the race in Istanbul, what are your thoughts on the Turkish Grand Prix from Renault's perspective?
• Fernando Alonso: I think the team did a fantastic job in Turkey. We have had a strange summer, with the mass damper decision and some poor results, so it was good to prove to everybody that the car is competitive regardless. We really fought hard in that race, and it shows we are ready to fight with Ferrari all the way to the end of the championship.
• Q: You kept Michael behind you for fifteen laps , was it revenge for Imola earlier this year?
• FA: You try and finish ahead of your competitors in every race. It is always difficult to overtake in F1, and we had the luck to do it in the pits. From that point, I knew it wouldn't be easy for Michael to get back past, so I defended my position in the normal way. It was an important result.
• Q: Monza is one of the mythical F1 tracks. What would it mean to win there?
• FA: This year I have won in Silverstone, in Monaco, in Spain , and for sure, I want to win Monza too. It is one of the legendary circuits, so it would be special to win there, and even more so to beat Ferrari at their home race. We know how important the championship is, but this is a big race as well.
• Q: You run with the lowest downforce levels of the season , how does it feel to drive?
• FA: It feels like a different car when you drive in Monza. You have such low downforce that by the time you get to the end of the straight, it feels like you could fly! The steering feels light, the movements are a bit lazy, and you don't quite feel like you have everything under control. It's not a nice feeling for the driver, but it's what you need at Monza to be quick on the straights.
• Q: So is straightline speed what you focus on in practice?
• FA: No, it's more than that. You need the speed but when you are running low downforce, it's hard to get good braking stability and ride over the kerbs. That's what we are always asking the engineers for , better ride on the kerbs, and more stable braking.
• Q: What are your goals for the race weekend?
• FA: There is only one target for the Renault team at the moment: to finish in front of Ferrari. They have been quite dominant in the last races, so beating them means winning races. That is our focus.
• Giancarlo Fisichella
• Q: Giancarlo, you finished sixth in Turkey after a strong race , but Renault lost ground in the championship. What are your feelings two weeks later?
• Giancarlo Fisichella: Turkey was a difficult race. I lost control of the car at the first car because I was very close to Fernando and wanted to avoid an accident. After that, we changed strategy and the race pace was very good , with the help of the Safety Car, I went from 17th to 6th. They were important points for the team, and I did my best. But we know it is important to be fighting for the podium at every race now.
• Q: Tell us about Monza...
• GF: Well, it's my home race, so obviously special for that reason. I have a good feeling with the track: I won there in Formula 3, and got on the podium last year, being the first Italian to do it since Alboreto 17 years earlier. That was a great result, but a win would be even more special.
• Q: Can you describe the good feeling you have there?
• GF: We run with very low downforce, the grip level is low and it's not easy to slow the car down from 350 kph to 60 kph for Turn 1, the slowest chicane. When the grip conditions are poor, I generally have a good level of confidence, like in Canada, and I am able to be consistent. That will be especially important for the race.
• Q: This year, you go to Monza locked in a battle with Ferrari. As an Italian driver, fighting an Italian team at the Italian Grand Prix, will it be a strange feeling?
• GF: It is going to be interesting! There will be lots of tifosi pushing Ferrari along, but as an Italian, I know I will have support as well. I am looking forward to the weekend!
• Q: You are fourth in the championship, ten points behind Massa. Is your target for the season to finish third?
• GF: Yes, absolutely, and I know I can do it. I lost ground to Massa at the last race, so now I have to do the maximum and catch up the ten points I am missing at the moment. I have really high motivation to do it.
• Q: And what will be your main assets in that battle?
• GF: Number one, the team, the car and the tyres. We have a really strong package and it is being developed all the way to the end of the year. After that, I need to score the maximum points, try to get four podiums , and win at least one of the races. If I can do that, then it can help Renault take the championship at the end of the year.
• Bob Bell, Technical Director
• The Renault F1 Team's Technical Director discusses the championship ahead of the season's final phase.
• Q: Bob, the Renault F1 Team went into the test ban with a 21 point lead in the Constructors' Championship , and leaves it two points ahead. Have you lost momentum?
• Bob Bell: It is a mathematical fact that the constructors' championship has closed up significantly during August. Clearly, the team suffered from the fact that the loss of the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) coincided with the summer test ban. We have now had the chance to reoptimize the R26, and the events of the summer have made us hungrier to prove we can do the job. Our points-scoring momentum might have dipped, but importantly there is no loss of momentum in the team's effort to put out a winning car at each race. We will be working as hard as humanly possible to come out on top of what will be a very close battle, as the advantage swings back and forth between us and Ferrari.
• Q: In some senses, one might suggest that 2006 is simply a four-race world championship...
• Q: That's certainly one way to look at it. After fourteen races, we are essentially all square with Ferrari. We have four races left, where we can be very aggressive because the titles are there to be won , and we have to seize that opportunity. Renault built a big lead in the first four races of the year, and although it will be a lot tougher now, there is no reason why we cannot do it again.
• Q: Starting in Monza?
• BB: Monza is going to be a hard race, there's no doubt about it. We are in the heart of Ferrari territory. But you can look at it two ways: as a boost for them, or an added incentive for us to get the upper hand. Certainly, we are very motivated to return them the favour after they won on our home turf in Magny-Cours... I think Monza will suit the strengths of their package, but last week's test was very close and there is no reason to believe our package is weaker than theirs. We have the special Monza aero items on the car, and a good engine upgrade for Fernando who will use a D-spec engine. I believe we are in strong shape.
• Q: Flavio said in Turkey that the team will be concentrating on the drivers' championship first and foremost in the final races...
• BB: I think we have to be aiming to win both championships, in the knowledge that if we do our maximum to get the constructors, then that will bring the drivers' title with it. The drivers' championship has great public cachet, but the constructors' title means a huge amount to everybody involved with the team. There are developments for the car and engine in the pipeline until the very last race, and notably we will be bringing some ideas from next year's car out of the wind tunnel and onto the R26.
• Q: It has been said that the championship will essentially come down to tyres. Do you agree?
• BB: I certainly think that the advantage will swing back and forth according to who gets their tyre selection right, and who gets it wrong. Michelin are working flat out to develop new products and the results from testing were certainly promising. Our expectation is to see a very even situation between the two tyre manufacturers until the end of the year, and we hope that our partnership with Michelin can bring us a decisive advantage.
• Q: So what will be the secret to winning the 2006 championships?
• BB: As ever, there's no secret , just hard work, creativity and professionalism. Neither team can afford mistakes, or unreliability. At this stage, a DNF would be fatal. But we also have to be resolute in our approach. Pressure can sometimes cause unusual responses, but at Renault we will be keeping our natural rhythm, our working processes and our conviction that going racing our way can bring success. The easiest thing to do would be to react in a knee-jerk fashion, and trip ourselves up. The championships are there to be won in 2006, and we are completely focused on doing just that.

McLAREN PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Formula One fraternity arrives in Italy for the final race of the European season to the great Grand Prix venue of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the spiritual home of Italian motor racing, located in the outskirts of Milan.
• The Italian Grand Prix has been held every year since the inception of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950, it is the only race alongside the British Grand Prix to which this applies.
• Grand Prix racing in Italy began in 1921 on the 17.3km circuit in Montichiari near Brescia. The following year, the decision was made to build a permanent race track in the Villa Reale Park, Monza. The Milan Automobile Club started work on 15th May 1922 and was completed in 110 days. The circuit opened on 3rd September and a week later was inaugurated with its first Italian Grand Prix.
• The original Monza track incorporated long banked sections, but safety concerns saw significant modifications, which included the removal of the banking from the circuit and the inclusion of a number of chicanes. McLaren has won the Italian Grand Prix on eight occasions, with the most recent two victories secured by Team McLaren Mercedes drivers David Coulthard in 1997 and Juan Pablo Montoya in 2005.
• Since the Turkish Grand Prix at the Istanbul Park, Team McLaren Mercedes has been testing at the Monza circuit with Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett in preparation for the race.
• Kimi Raikkonen: "Monza is a great track, it is all about speed but not just on the straights. It has some fantastic corners such as Parabolica that are flat out and you really have to push the car. Parabolica is a really important part of the track, because it takes you back out on to the long start and finish straight, and so you have to keep your speed as high as possible through it."
• "The track is also really hard on the cars, with the bumps and the long straights at full throttle. You tend to use the kerbs quite a lot and so have a slightly softer set-up so the car rides well over them."
• "After my retirement from the Turkish race, my back was a bit sore, so we decided that I would rest to get properly fit for this race rather than test, but I am totally fine, there are no problems from the incident and I am looking forward to getting back in the car. It has been feeling really strong recently, so I hope we can have more of a race in Monza than in Istanbul."
• Pedro de la Rosa: "We had a good test last week in Monza, Gary and I completed over 1500km and were able to work through a lot of the preparations for the race this weekend. This included tyre selection with Michelin, proving aero packages and set-up work. The latter is always quite tricky here, so I had a big focus on this at the test. Monza demands high speed and braking stability, so this also has to be taken into account."
• "The track surface at Monza has been re-laid recently, and it now has quite different characteristics to the previous surface, which of course has an effect on tyre performance and wear, and we also covered this in detail at the test. It was our first time on the track with the V8 engines, and the top speeds are around the 340km/h mark, which is not significantly less than last year. "
• Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One, Team McLaren Mercedes:
• "The Italian Grand Prix this weekend marks the end of the 2006 European season, and all at Team McLaren Mercedes would like to leave Europe on a high. The race team arrives in northern Italy following an encouraging resumption of testing at Monza last week, where the test team completed a solid two day session, and we are now looking forward to racing the cars in anger on the circuit."
• "Monza sees us run with the lowest downforce configuration of the year, to allow us to maximize speed on the long stretches of full throttle around the Italian track. We use a bespoke aero package for the race, with specific front and rear wings and the removal of the winglets from the top body, which the test team ran with Pedro and Gary last week at Monza with some positive results."
• Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport:
• "Compared to the other circuits on the Formula 1 calendar the Monza track is the most untypical one. Nevertheless the Italian Grand Prix on this circuit is a classic and the race is the one in which the highest average speeds are recorded. In 2006 about 240 kph on average over the race distance should be attained, and also this year top speeds of more than 340 kph can be expected on the start-finish straight."
• "This will be only about 25 kph less than those of September 2005 despite the fact that this year the V8 engines have about 200hp less than last year's V10s. Three quarters of the lap will be run under full throttle in a Formula 1 car, which is the highest percentage achieved during the race season and generates the highest strain on the engines.
• "The cars are traditionally set up for the lowest downforce which even a non specialist can realize from the angle of the front and rear wings. In spite of this the braking and turning in characteristics and the skilled use of the kerbs are decisive factors to produce a good lap time. There are no prizes for those who are only fast in a straight line."

BMW PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• Formula One goes flat out into the European finale of the 2006 World Championship. Nowhere else do you get a higher full-throttle ratio than on the circuit in Monza's Royal Park, where the 15th of 18 World Championship races takes place on 10th September. The BMW Sauber F1 Team is heading for the Italian Grand Prix with some special aerodynamic innovations in its baggage.
• The team has completed a three-day test programme on the high-speed track near Milan with team drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, as well as the young Sebastian Vettel, who will be again driving the third BMW Sauber F1.06 on Friday in Monza.
• Nick Heidfeld: "For me the Italian Grand Prix in Monza is an unusual one for a number of reasons. For a start, the circuit in the Royal Park is one of the last real high-speed tracks Formula One still races on. To give you an idea of the speed: at 360 km/h you cover 100 metres in one second. That means if you're half a second too late, you've missed the braking point for a corner."
• "Secondly, Italy is Ferrari country, and the tifosi always guarantee a very special atmosphere. Thirdly, nowhere else do you hit the kerbs as hard as in Monza, and fourthly, there are passing opportunities, which is great for the drivers and spectators alike."
• Robert Kubica: "My third Formula One race will be on a track I know very well and like a lot. I shall work hard with the engineers as usual, but this time we will have some valuable information from this week's three-day test at Monza to add to that from the June test there. I lived in Italy for many years, so I suppose I could claim this as a home race. The Italians love their motor racing, and this is where I learnt my racecraft from the age of 13."
• Sebastian Vettel: "I'm really looking forward to my second GP weekend. During testing I didn't like the Monza circuit at all at first. I found it quite difficult to find the braking points. But once I had that sorted out, I got to like it more and more. Some of the turns are fantastic, even though it isn't easy to get them right with the low-downforce configuration. What was also unfamiliar to me was the wild way you have to ride over the kerbs."
• "Testing so soon before a GP weekend will make my work as the Friday driver a bit easier as we will have fresh data. But for the finer details and setting the car up for the prevailing conditions and weather, my job will still be very important."
• Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
• "In the last European race of our debut season we are hoping to collect some more points. Our qualifying performance in Istanbul showed that we have made progress and that this is a realistic goal."
• "Unfortunately we were unable to capitalise on our potential in the race, but we will be aiming to do so in Monza, where we'll be lining up with the same driver team as in Turkey. Nick put in a particularly strong performance during qualifying in Istanbul, Robert delivered superior races in his first two F1 events, and Sebastian made a very good debut in Turkey."
• "The circuit in the Royal Park is the high-speed track par excellence and demands a great deal of respect from drivers and machinery alike. With the V10 engines the full-throttle percentage was 67, with the less powerful V8 we recorded 77 percent during testing."
• Willy Rampf, Technical Director:
• "As Monza is a genuine high-speed circuit, cars are set up with commensurately low downforce. It means you have to develop a specific aero package for the track that isn't used anywhere else. This comprises a different front and rear wing as well as several modifications to the body. With the V8 engines, top speeds will of course be a little lower than in the past, but we can still expect to hit around 340 km/h."
• "Monza is one of the circuits where the brakes endure the highest loads. Braking into the first chicane demands the most extreme deceleration, with forces exceeding 5g. As this section of the track also has a few bumps, the set-up has to focus on braking stability."
• "Another key factor in achieving fast lap times is for the drivers to be able to ride the kerbs aggressively. That is only possible if the car can absorb these forces well and doesn't become unbalanced."

SHELL PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

HONDA PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• After a successful race in Turkey, where Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello both brought their RA106 race cars home in the points, the Honda Racing F1 Team is now looking forward to the final European race of the season, the Italian Grand Prix, Round 15 of the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship.
• Held at one of the most historic venues used in Formula One, the unique Autodromo Nazionale di Monza is set in a leafy royal park north of Milan. All eleven Formula One teams participated in the traditional Monza test this week following the five week summer testing break.
• The Honda Racing F1 Team conducted an intensive three-day programme with all four of its drivers working on the car set-up and tyre options for what is the fastest circuit on the F1 calendar, where top speeds in the race are likely to reach in excess of 340 kph.
• Rubens Barrichello: "Monza has always been a very special event for me and I still have a lot of Italian fans who write to me with their support, so it's a weekend that I always really enjoy. I have actually won twice at Monza in 2004 and 2002 which are some of my favourite memories in Formula One."
• "It's a unique circuit and easily the fastest in the F1 calendar in terms of speed. You have to get the braking right and obviously the traction and the power of the engine are important too. We had a good test this week in preparation for the race, focusing mainly on tyre choice and car set-up for the lower levels of downforce that you need here, so we look forward to another good race next weekend."
• Jenson Button: "I'm really looking forward to the race at Monza. The atmosphere is always great over the race weekend and the circuit has traditionally seen lots of exciting racing, so hopefully it will be another good race for the fans. I had a podium finish here in 2004 and it is a track that I always enjoy."
• "We did a lot of good work with Michelin at the Monza test this week in preparation as most of the track has been resurfaced, so we needed to focus carefully on the tyre choice. We have a relatively good car around here so I think that we should be reasonably competitive in the race."
• Gil de Ferran, Sporting Director: "For those who love Formula One, going to Monza is a special occasion. The history of the place is evident and the atmosphere is fantastic. The circuit itself is unique with very long straights and the highest top speeds that we will see all year, placing a premium on the aerodynamic efficiency and top-end horsepower. This year, most of the track has been resurfaced, which has slightly changed the requirements on the tyres."
• "Together with the other teams, we spent three days in Monza this week optimising our tyre choice and set-up for the track, including a unique aerodynamic configuration. Both Jenson and Rubens have had good races there in the past, particularly Rubens who has won twice, and our car performed well at the test, all of which bodes well for the weekend."

WILLIAMS PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

TOYOTA PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• The 2006 European season comes to an end this weekend with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The circuit, situated just north of Milan, is one of motor racing's historic venues. Indeed, visitors can still see the banking which played host to many of the sport's legendary battles down the years.
• Now the track is famous for being the fastest on the F1 calendar, with cars pushing the very limits of their engines as they scream along its characteristic long straights. Panasonic Toyota Racing's Jarno Trulli relishes the special atmosphere of his home grand prix and both he and team-mate Ralf Schumacher will hope to have something to celebrate with the local fans on Sunday evening.
• Ralf Schumacher: "Monza has a special place in the heritage of F1 and it is a very fast circuit with long straights interspersed with chicanes. Because we run with such low downforce at Monza you can always notice the drop in grip compared to the more typical circuits we run on. So we have to adapt for that with your set-up because confidence is important under braking for the tight chicanes."
• "You have to be precise when you switch between high and low speed sections so that is a good challenge for the drivers. To keep up your momentum you have to get the chicanes just right so setting up the car for the kerbs is crucial."
• "Last year we had a good weekend and I made up ground during the race to finish 6th due to good strategy work from the team. In the last few races we have shown we can be quick. So we will look for more of the same this weekend and hope for an even better result."
• Jarno Trulli: "I always enjoy coming to Monza. I'm at home so I enjoy more support than usual and the atmosphere is excellent. I like the circuit too and I have usually had good results there, including last year when I had a good run to 5th place in the Toyota."
• "Because Monza is the quickest circuit of the year, straight line speed is essential and everyone runs with as little wing as possible. With such low downforce you push the limits of the grip. The car has a tendency to be more nervous, even on the straights, so you have to drive smoothly."
• "You have to be very precise with your braking points, ride the kerbs and get a good exit out of the chicanes. If you can get it right every lap and always be on the limit you can make a lot of difference. Our package has been strong in recent races so we will try to make it through the weekend and score a good result in front of my home fans."
• Pascal Vasselon - Senior General Manager Chassis:
• "Monza is the last surviving high speed circuit in Formula 1. Since the layout of Hockenheim was changed it is by far the fastest on the calendar, with average speeds over 250kph. Because it is now unique it produces extra work for engineers. The circuit is obviously hard on engines because the throttle is open for most of the lap."
• "The conditions obviously place an emphasis on low drag and low downforce but the efficiency of the packages remains the key and you still want as much downforce as possible without increasing the drag. For that reason we will also have a customised aero package for Monza including a new front and rear wing. It is important to ride the kerbs well and the long straights and slow corners mean that it is one of the hardest circuits of the year for brakes."
• "Monza is critical for tyre blistering, which comes from internal heat generation on the long straights. So although the layout is not very demanding in terms of graining and degradation, you cannot go to Monza with a soft tyre. You have to aim for the middle of the range and we will make our choice based on last week's Monza test, which is always an essential part of our preparations."

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