For the 65th time in Formula 1®, motorsport's ‘Temple of Speed’ welcomes the world's leading speedsters for an Italian Grand Prix which, despite its uncertain future, remains a cornerstone of the season. 

The historic Monza track, made up of high-speed straights and chicanes in the heart of the Royal Park, is the fastest on the calendar with cars touching speeds of up to 360 kph.

Lewis Hamilton claimed his second-ever Italian GP victory last year after pressuring team-mate Nico Rosberg into an error at the first chicane, a win which set up the Briton’s run to the world title.

Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have now claimed two wins and two poles apiece in the last four years, with Monza also the scene of the German’s maiden F1 success with Toro Rosso in 2008. Now driving for Italy’s ‘home’ team, Vettel will be aiming to emulate predecessors Fernando Alonso (2010) and Michael Schumacher (1996) in winning on his Ferrari Monza debut.

Unsurprisingly, the Italian marque have won more times at the famous venue than any other in F1 – 18 – although Alonso’s 2010 victory is their only success in the last eight attempts.

Photos via Sutton Images.