Italian Grand Prix 2016: Where to watch practice live, preview and track facts

The F1 juggernaut has landed in the home of the Tifosi for the Italian Grand Prix at the iconic Monza Circuit. It is one of the only races that has been on the calendar since the inception of the F1 World championship in 1950 — the others being the Monaco Grand Prix and the Belgium Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps. The passion from the fans carries over to all the drivers and teams, with the podium celebrations some of the best you will see on the calendar owing to the close proximity between the fans and the drivers.

Mercedes are clear favourites going into the race weekend owing to the power hungry nature of the track. It is likely to be a battle between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton for pole and the race win, but Ferrari will be keen to make an impression in front of their home fans.

The Maranello-based team are likely to pull out all stops to be as close as possible to the Silver Arrows team. However, they will also face competition from the Red Bulls who have looked strong on all circuits since their engine upgrade in Monaco, while the other Mercedes powered cars like Force India and Williams are also likely to be challenging for a place in the top six.

The lack of downforce required at the circuit could benefit the likes of Ferrari, who have struggled in that department this season, but all teams will have worked on a special aero package for the unique and historic Monza circuit.

Similar to recent races, the actual pecking order is likely to be clear only in FP3, but Friday's second practice for long run pace will be crucial in a circuit where there are plenty of opportunities to overtake.

Where to watch live

The first practice session of the Italian Grand Prix starts at 9am BST, with Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports F1 HD providing live coverage in the UK.

Real-time internet updates are available on the Live Timing section of the sport's official website. Live coverage of the second practice session starts at 1pm BST.

Track Facts

• Circuit name: Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Italy
• First F1 Race: 1950
• Circuit length: 5.793km
• Number of laps: 53
• Race distance: 306.72km
• Lap record: 1.21'046 (R Barrichello – 2004)
• Most wins: M Schumacher (5)
• 2015 winner: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
• 2015 pole: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Drivers' Championship standings