2003 Italian Grand Prix

Championship standings

Michael Schumacher leads the Drivers’ Championship with 72 points, one ahead of Montoya in second and two ahead of Räikkönen in third — the narrowest three-way championship battle of the season. Williams lead the Constructors’ on 129 points, Ferrari second on 121, McLaren third on 115.

Previous race

At the revamped Hungaroring, Fernando Alonso won from pole to take his first Formula One victory, becoming at the time the youngest driver ever to win a Grand Prix, beating the record set by Bruce McLaren. Michael Schumacher could only manage eighth and was lapped by Alonso. Räikkönen and Montoya finished second and third, cutting Schumacher’s championship lead to just two points over Montoya and one over Räikkönen.

Between-race developments

Following Hungary, Ferrari lodged a complaint with the FIA over Michelin’s front tyres used by competitors, arguing they were wider than the regulations permit towards the end of the race. Michelin has narrowed its front tyres for this race.

Ralf Schumacher crashed during a private test session at Monza in early September. Formula One’s race doctor Sid Watkins cleared him to participate in Friday testing and the Friday qualifying session. However, together with his team, Ralf has decided to withdraw from Saturday and Sunday, and Williams test driver Marc Gené will take over for the race.

Practice

Barrichello leads the first session, ahead of Michael Schumacher and Räikkönen. The second session is topped by Michael Schumacher, ahead of Barrichello and Coulthard. Montoya leads the third session in his Williams, ahead of Michael Schumacher and stand-in Marc Gené.