Tifosi set to party

In Italy it is know as the Red Dawn as the fans flood the fields, the grandstands, enclosures and the local camp sites.

Local towns are plagued late into the night as local boy racers on cars and motor bikes make believe they have made it to Formula 1.

At the circuit most will be wearing just one colour - red. Red hats, red jackets, red scarves and red flags.

Some will even have their faces painted red and yellow - others will die their hair and even decorate it with the world famous emblem of the Prancing Horse.

The grandstand across from the pits will be festooned with flags and signs carrying goodwill messages for the drivers from many of the teams 450 fan clubs.

The hillside at Rivazza that towers over the last bend looks like a river of red as the fans flood to and from their enclosure.

Thousands of fans arrive on Thursday and start digging seats in the grass, others build temporary homes of tarpaulin and plastic sheeting. Each area is roped off by its temporary occupants.

"With Ferrari winning the first two races the atmosphere will no doubt be electric," said Jordan technical director Mike Gascoyne.

If McLaren - or anyone else for that matter - want to win they not only have to beat Ferrari but the whole of Italy.

And if a Ferrari takes pole position the current 187,000, record set in 1983 is sure to be in jeopardy. Rene Arnoux started that race from pole in a Ferrari but it was his teammate Patrick Tambay who won.

On race morning they will hoist thousands of flags into the air and the hill will look for all the world as though it has been occupied by a medieval army.

If both Ferraris retire before the finish - as has happened into the past - they will flood out of the circuit heedless of the fact there is still a Grand Prix to be decided.