Ferrari go all in for Monza with Spec 3 power unit

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Ferrari is doing its best to put the odds of winning on home turf on its side by introducing its latest specification engine at Monza.

Fresh from its maiden win of the season at Spa with Charles Leclerc, the Scuderia will be gunning for glory again at its home race, on a layout that caters to low downforce and top speed, the prime qualities of Ferrari's SF90.

The Italian outfit supplied its new engine to customer teams Haas and Alfa Rome in Belgium, but held off on bolting the updated unit on to its own cars at Spa in order to rely on absolutely pristine engines for its home race.

Ferrari and Vettel mystified by pace gap to Leclerc at Spa

Both Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel are still within their authorized power unit element allocation, so neither driver will be penalized for adding the updated engine to their pool of units.

"It’s time for our home Grand Prix and there can be no better way to come to Monza than as the winner of the last round in Spa-Francorchamps, Binotto said in the team's Italian Grand Prix preview.

"It’s a great thank you to our fans who have given us so much support during what has been a far from easy season so far.

©Ferrari

"Monza is a track where we run at very high average speeds, featuring long straights and heavy braking, running a low downforce package.

"This weekend, we plan to introduce our third power unit."

However, to secure a second consecutive win and trounce the mighty Mercedes squad, Ferrari will need more than a fresh batch of horsepower.

"We saw in Belgium that, in order to win, we must do everything to perfection and our aim is to do exactly that in Monza too. There will be no room for error," added Binotto.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.