One of the most famous race circuits on the Formula One, indeed, motor sport, calendar, has been dealt a massive blow following a court hearing in Italy.

Following complaints from local residents, an Italian court has ordered that Formula One cars will need to be fitted with silencers if further races are to be staged at the historic Autodromo.

Ironically, the circuit, which was first built in the early 1920s, pre-dates almost all of the houses built in the area, but that hasn't stopped locals complaining. Now, Judge Marco Manunta, has upheld a complaint by the residents of Biassono, who complain that noise from the track has made their lives a living hell.

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Judge Manunta described motor sport as a "superfluous, dangerous and socially useless activity that had a major impact on the environment." Clearly unaware that other than an assassination and the rather odd carryings-on in a local nunnery, it is motor sport which put Monza on the world map.

City officials in Milan, which co-own the track with Monza council, are confident that they will be able to have the ruling overturned.

"It is right to protect the environment," said Milan deputy major, Riccardo De Corato, "but it is also right that we should avoid excesses that might wipe out important traditions."