Italian Grand Prix 2005 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Juan Pablo Montoya delivered a brilliant victory at the Italian Grand Prix, beating championship leader Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella at the Temple of Speed in Monza. The Colombian driver's second win for McLaren came despite Kimi Raikkonen claiming pole position and setting the fastest lap, as the Finnish driver once again failed to convert McLaren's superior speed into victory, highlighting the reliability and consistency issues that had plagued his championship challenge all season.

Raikkonen's pole lap of 1:20.878 and fastest lap of 1:21.504 demonstrated the McLaren MP4-20's devastating pace at Monza's high-speed layout, but the Finn couldn't maintain that advantage in the race. Montoya, starting alongside his teammate, drove an aggressive, determined race that showcased his combative style and racecraft. The Colombian seized the lead early and controlled the grand prix from the front, managing his Michelin tires brilliantly through Monza's long straights and chicanes. His victory in front of Ferrari's passionate tifosi was a statement performance that confirmed his status as one of F1's elite talents.

Alonso drove a mature race to secure second place, limiting the championship damage and extending his points lead with just three races remaining. His consistent point-scoring ability was proving decisive in the title race - while McLaren might have been faster, Renault and Alonso were accumulating podiums and wins with metronomic regularity. Fisichella claimed his first podium since Australia with third place for Renault, providing valuable constructor points in the team's battle for the championship. The race marked another frustrating weekend for Ferrari at their home circuit, with both Schumacher and Barrichello unable to challenge the pace of the Michelin-equipped frontrunners. Montoya's Monza triumph kept McLaren's faint constructor championship hopes alive, but Alonso's march toward his first title was becoming inexorable.