Analysis: The F1 Title Countdown Begins

The 2003 Formula One championship is too close to call, with the top three drivers divided by just two points and three races remaining - the Italian, US and Japanese Grands Prix.

The following looks at the prospects for Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, Williams's Juan Pablo Montoya and McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen at Monza, Indianapolis and Suzuka.

Schumacher has 72 points, Montoya 71 and Raikkonen 70.

Italy - September 14

Monza, set in a wooded park on the outskirts of Milan, is Formula One's fastest and oldest circuit.

Drivers can reach 345 kph on the long straights before braking hard before the chicanes.

This is a power circuit and Montoya has been on pole position for the past two years, taking his first Formula One win at Monza in 2001. He also holds the speed record with the fastest qualifying lap in Formula One history set last year.

He will be a favourite but this is also Ferrari's home race and they took a runaway one-two win there last year, Brazilian Rubens Barrichello leading Schumacher by 0.2 of a second after both Williams retired.

McLaren last won at Monza in 1997 with David Coulthard. Quick testing times suggest they could have something up their sleeve.

Prediction: Montoya to edge ahead of Schumacher in the standings, depending on how Michelin respond to a clampdown on tyre tread regulations. Ferrari are working hard on improvements and much will depend on their progress in tests.

United States - September 28

Indianapolis, built in 1909 as a test track for the Detroit car industry, is the world's oldest motor racing circuit still in use as well as the largest sporting arena with more than 250,000 permanent seats.

It has hosted a Grand Prix since 2000 and Williams have yet to win there, although Montoya won the Indy 500 in 2000. Their drivers collided with each other at the end of the first lap last year.

Ferrari have the best record, winning two out of three including last year's one-two finish.

Raikkonen, mindful that Indianapolis gave compatriot Mika Hakkinen his last career win in a McLaren in 2001, can expect to be back in the hunt.

The 'Brickyard' combines half of the classic banked oval circuit, with cars reaching speeds of up to 320 kph on the longest straight in Formula One, and a twisty infield section. Turn one into the oval offers good overtaking possibilities.

This is a track that requires a tricky compromise between high and low downforce settings. The key to success is a well-balanced car.

Prediction: Montoya to become first driver to win Indy 500 and U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis. McLaren hoping to pip Ferrari.

Japan - October 12

Suzuka is Honda's test track and has hosted Grands Prix since 1987. Shaped in a figure of eight, it offers long and fast corners, 310 kph straights and short and challenging curves.

The circuit is hard on tyres and slightly longer than others, usually producing the highest average engine speed over a lap. It is a favourite of Schumacher, who has won there for the past three years.

If Williams are dominant at Monza and Indianapolis, it might be too late for Ferrari but Suzuka will be the circuit where they can still expect a real edge over their rivals.

Williams have not won there since 1996, the year when Briton Damon Hill took the title. Hakkinen won there in 1998 and 1999, his championship years.

Prediction: Williams still be strong but Ferrari and Schumacher may have the edge. Raikkonen to repeat his 2002 third place. Renault, winners in Hungary with Spain's Fernando Alonso, believe they could still spring a surprise here.