As all and sundry trip over themselves to sing the praises of Monza's unique history, and in particular its legendary banking, the Pitpass editor cannot help but allow himself a wry smile.

Back in 1998 at the height of his campaign to have the banking preserved, rather than allowing it to break apart (which is happening), only one team gave its support, Tyrell. Indeed, even though the campaign was apolitical, one team boss (David Richards at Benetton) said his team preferred to "sit on the fence".

So, when we hear all the talk of history and passion, you'll forgive us if you hear the editor laughing in the background.

Oh and as for tradition and history, Ferrari would dearly love to take the Grand Prix from Monza to Mugello, the test at the Tuscan track earlier this year possibly a sign of things to come.

By the way, did you know that the editor has done two full laps of it - albeit with someone else driving?

Though the circuit has changed greatly since 1972 when he first visited it - the year in which chicanes were first added - the editor is the first to admit that it remains one which you treat with total respect. And with that in mind, as we contemplate the start of today's race, not only do we need no further reminder than last week's first corner melee in Spa, than the various comings together witnessed here in recent years, both at the first and second chicanes.

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza may have been emasculated beyond all recognition, compared to its glory days, however, it remains a super-fast challenge.

Just looking at the first few rows, not forgetting a very frustrated Fernando Alonso starting from tenth, sends a shiver down the spine.

The in-team battle for supremacy at McLaren could surely produce sparks, hopefully reminiscent of the great days of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. Surely it is no coincidence that Lewis Hamilton has always idolised the Brazilian while the Frenchman is Button's hero.

Then there's Felipe Massa who has the chance not only of turning the season on its head but keeping his seat. If that isn't motivation enough for the little Brazilian we don't know what is.

Michael Schumacher is promoted to fourth on the grid courtesy of Paul di Resta's (gearbox) grid penalty, and if a win for Massa would be popular the same must surely apply to the seven-time champ and former Ferrari star, especially if rumours of his impending (second) retirement are true.