Italy: Going to Monza is a special occasion

By Honda Racing F1
September 6 2006

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 F1 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 will be the fastest circuit on the F1 calendar, where top speeds are likely to reach in excess of 340 kph.

Gil de Ferran
Sporting Director
Honda Racing F1

"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."