The Italian Grand Prix, Round 13 of the 2009 FIA Formula One WorldChampionship, will be held this weekend at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monzajust outside of Milan and bring Formula One's European season to itsconclusion.

One of the most historic and atmospheric circuits on the Formula Onecalendar, the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza is situated in the royal park atthe heart of the town of Monza. The original circuit was built in1922 and included a banked oval course. Although this has not been used byF1 cars since 1961, it remains as a monument to the iconic races hosted overthe years.

The 5.793km Monza circuit is the fastest of the year with four longstraights enabling the cars to reach top speeds of 340kph and average lapspeeds of 250kph. The emphasis is on engine power and aerodynamic efficiencywhich require the cars to be set up with a special low downforce aerodynamicpackage to minimise drag.

ROSS BRAWN, TEAM PRINCIPAL

Q. What are the technical considerations for the race at Monza this weekend?

"Visiting Monza during the Italian Grand Prix is a very special experienceand one not to be missed for motorsport fans. It's one of those classicvenues where the grandstands are always packed and the atmosphere iselectric throughout the weekend. From a technical point of view, Monzashould be a track where our car will work well although we do expect theKERS cars to have a significant advantage. The BGP 001 is good on bothbrakes and traction which are important at Monza and we have the benefit ofthe Mercedes-Benz engine on this power-sensitive circuit. With no in-seasontesting this year, we have not had the opportunity to test at the circuitprior to the race weekend so it will be interesting to see how quicklyeveryone can adapt to the unusually low downforce configuration with limitedrunning. The aerodynamic efficiency of the car is crucial so we have aspecific package designed to minimise drag levels and achieve the high topspeeds required. Good engineering can make a significant difference at Monzaso we'll be working hard to get the car set up well to allow our drivers tobe aggressive over the kerbs."

JENSON BUTTONQ. What are your thoughts ahead of the Italian Grand Prix?

"Monza is a fantastic track and I love the passion that the Italian fansbring to the race weekend. The circuit is very different to most of thecircuits that we race on as the car will be set up with the lowest levels ofdrag and downforce possible to take advantage of the long straights. Italways takes a few laps to get used to and as we haven't tested at Monzathis season, the practice sessions will be very important. Ascari isprobably my favourite part of the track but also Parabolica where thechallenge is to brake as late as possible, particularly in qualifying whenyou're on a quick lap. It's a circuit that should be reasonably good for ourcar if we get the handling right over the kerbs so we're feeling positiveand excited about the challenge."

RUBENS BARRICHELLO

Q. What do you enjoy about visiting Monza?

"There's something very special about Monza and I have always loved racingthere throughout my career. The setting in the park, the sound of theTifosi, the speed of the circuit and the memories from my victories withFerrari in 2002 and 2004 all make Monza one of the most exciting races ofthe year. It's the quickest circuit on the calendar and our car has thepotential to be strong there. The power of our Mercedes-Benz engine will bereally important in maximising speed on the long straights and our car isquite good under braking which you need to be aggressive and ride the kerbseffectively. It's been a season full of surprises so it's impossible topredict what the weekend will bring but I hope that we can have a good one."

Autodromo Nazionale di Monza Stats

Circuit Length: 5.793km Race Distance: 306.720km Number of Laps: 53 

Full Throttle: 67% Brake Wear:  Medium Tyre Compounds: Soft / Medium Downforce Level: Low - 2/10 Tyre Usage:  Low Average Speed: 245kph (155mph) 

Race Weekend Schedule (all times are local)

Friday 11 SeptemberPractice 1: 1000 - 1130   Practice 2: 1400 - 1530

Saturday 12 SeptemberPractice 3: 1100 - 1200   Qualifying: 1400 - 1500

Sunday 13 SeptemberRace: 1400