Hi everyoneSo that was magnificent Monza, a circuit steeped in history but one that didn’t make for a particularly interesting race (for me at least!). We achieved our aim of beating Giedo and both Marussias, and were able to lap within a couple of tenths of the Williams cars during the first stint. Unfortunately their pace was superior to ours over the remaining two stints, meaning we were unable to fight them for the rest of the race. But in terms of our relative performance we can file that one under ‘Objective Achieved’. As always here’s some of the things you might not have heard about from over the Italian Grand Prix weekend…A flying visit to MontelimarWe start with something from earlier in the week when I was back in my hometown of Montelimar for a reception at the town hall. Caterham and Renault brought a showcar along for the locals to have a look at while I signed autographs for the children who had turned out and spoke to Mayor Franck Reynier. There was quite a crowd and it was a great day all round. I always enjoy going back home when I get a chance. It’s quite a traditional area of France so lots of people are curious about what I do. As you can imagine it’s not every day that an F1 driver and his racing car turn up in their town!Welcoming World Series by RenaultI like to keep an eye on the junior formulas, especially as my younger brother Arthur is competing in Formula Renault 3.5. So it was good to meet a few of the drivers contesting this year’s championship on Thursday after they were invited to attend the grand prix by Caterham’s engine supplier, Renault.William Buller, Nigel Melker, Will Stevens, Nico Muller and Oliver Webb, plus Formula Renault Eurocup points leader Oliver Rowland, stopped by for a quick chat. It was great to hear their thoughts on World Series by Renault and Formula 1. I’d already met Will S as he’s part of the Caterham Racing Academy and was behind the wheel of my car at the Silverstone Young Driver Test in July. I have fond memories of racing in World Series by Renault in FR2.0 and FR3.5. Finishing third overall in both championships obviously helped! But they really developed my understanding of how a single-seater works. The organisers also do a very good job of promoting it by giving away tickets for free. Wishing Webber wellMark Webber is one of the most widely respected and highly regarded drivers in the paddock, so it was little surprise to see so many people attend his European farewell party at the Red Bull Energy Station on Thursday night. Fellow drivers, team principals, mechanics, media and friends were all there to wish him well. Mark said a few words about his long and successful career to date, and what the future holds for him next year. He might not be racing in F1 but he’s still going to be very busy!I can’t claim to know Mark that well, but the time I have spent with him has always been enjoyable. I wish him every success in the future.Magnificent MonzaAs drivers we all love to race at the great, historical circuits like Spa or Silverstone, and Monza is right up there too.This place has an atmosphere like no other circuit. Perhaps it’s the combination of history, its parkland setting or the passionate Italian fans. I don’t know, but there is something different and special about it. When you drive through Curva Parabolica you can see the old circuit running away to your left and into the 180 degree banked corner. Every time I pass it I wonder how on earth they used to race on that! During our usual track walk we took a detour and had a look. It’s so steep that you cannot climb to the top unaided. It’s incredible to think back and imagine drivers racing around it. I wouldn’t fancy it now in a much safer modern grand prix car, so how they managed it with so little protection I’ll never know. It makes you appreciate motorsport’s rich history and the importance of these old circuits to Formula 1.From one extreme to anotherI don’t think there’s a better example of old-meets-new in F1 than travelling from historical Monza to the ultra-modern night race around Singapore’s city streets! They’re both incredible experiences but in a very different way.It will be Caterham’s second home race in Asia after Malaysia, which is why we’ve chosen it as the place to unveil the company’s new road car. It’s going to be a busy week actually as we’ll be arriving on Monday in order to acclimatise ourselves to the humidity. It’s so different compared to Europe that you need as much preparation time as possible. Until then, take care

Charles