Rain for Monza?

UPDATE #2 After fine and warm conditions for qualifying, the skies above Monza opened later on Saturday afternoon, raising the prospect of a wet race on Sunday. However, although the late Saturday downpour was heavy, delaying the start of the GP2 race, the formula one race forecast at present is for dry conditions, although with plenty of rain predicted once the sun sets. It also rained heavily at Monza late on Friday, after three hours of practice in dry conditions.

09/12/09 Although yesterday's practice sessions were run in dry and hot conditions, nightfall saw rain accompanied by thunder and lightening hit the town. However, the weather for the remainder of the weekend is forecast to be dry and warm, albeit with some scattered cloud lingering in the skies. Today, Saturday, will see ambient temperatures hit 27°C, with partly cloud skies, identical to Sunday's forecast.

09/10/09 Weather forecasters are predicting that, for the second year in succession, the Italian Grand Prix weekend could be affected by rain. Heavy showers are expected at Monza on Saturday with more, lighter rain on Sunday. In 2008, drivers had to cope with a wet track in both qualifying and the race.

The Italian Grand Prix marks the final European race of the season, with only four 'flyaways' then remaining in Singapore, Japan, Brazil and Abu Dhabi. Last year, Friday free practice proved a total washout in Italy, with McLaren coming off worse with a flooding garage.

For 2009, crowds are expected to enjoy blue skies and temperatures reaching a pleasant 25°C (77°F) for practice on Friday although the weekend's lowest figures are expected on Saturday, as well as heavy rain. Ambient temperatures are expected to rise to 24°C (75°F) on race day although light race is expected to see lower track surface temperatures than on Friday.