1955 Italian Grand Prix

Previous race

At Aintree, Stirling Moss led a Mercedes 1–2–3–4 to claim his first Formula One victory, narrowly ahead of Fangio. Several observers believed Fangio held back to let his British teammate win in front of the home crowd. Fangio consistently denied it, saying Moss “was simply faster that day.”

Championship standings

Fangio enters Monza having already secured his third World Drivers’ Championship. His points lead over Moss after Aintree is sufficient to clinch the title regardless of the result here.

Between-race developments

Following the British Grand Prix, the German, Swiss and Spanish Grands Prix were cancelled in the aftermath of the Le Mans disaster. The French Grand Prix, rescheduled to 25 September, was also cancelled. Italy is now the championship finale with the title already decided.

Peter Collins moves from Owen Racing Organisation to the works Maserati team, making his debut for them here. Ferrari have brought Mike Hawthorn back after his stint at Vanwall. At Gordini, Jean Lucas replaces the unavailable Robert Manzon.

With Lancia having handed all assets to Ferrari following Ascari’s death and the team’s financial collapse, Ferrari is operating the Lancia D50 cars. Eugenio Castellotti enters in that machinery.

Track changes

The Monza circuit has been revamped and resurfaced with new pit and safety facilities. A new concrete banking replaces the original version, and the combined road-and-banking layout of 10 km (6.2 mi) is used here for the first time since 1933. The Curva Sud has been redesigned from two right-hand corners into a single sweeping bend — the Parabolica — with run-off area added.

Practice

During practice, Nino Farina’s rear tyre failed under the load of the banking and the heat of the sun, sending him off. He escaped unhurt but the Ferrari-run Lancia was written off. As a precaution, Ferrari withdrew the remaining Lancia entry ahead of Sunday.

Entrants

Of the four factory Mercedes entries, Fangio and Moss drive the streamlined closed-wheel W196, while Kling and Taruffi drive the open-wheel version.