Drivers say no overtaking at GP start

But leading figures in the sport are thought to be trying to head off the move in the hours leading up to the start. The decision was taken at an impromptu meeting on the regular drivers' parade truck circling the track for spectators. Rather than wave to the fans as they normally do the grid got into a big huddle and held their discussions on the moving flatbed vehicle.

It follows a series of tragedies this week and Monza's own dark past. The Italian Grand Prix started on a dark note after thousands of workers and tourists died when terrorists flew two packed passenger jets into the World Trade Centre and another into the Pentagon on Tuesday. And the mood deteriorated significantly after ex-Williams ace Alex Zanardi lost both his legs at a CART race in Germany on Saturday and is still in a critical condition in hospital.

At this race last year marshal Paolo Ghislimberti was killed by flying debris after a collision between five cars at a chicane in the early laps of the race.

"Everyone is emotionally very down," said Schumacher at Monza today. "It is a weekend when a lot of things are not right and you should question whether we should race here.

"There will be no overtaking at the first two chicanes, all the driver's have agreed this, but one."

A Ferrari spokeswoman has been going around the paddock getting drivers to sign a letter supporting the no overtaking decision, but when she approached BAR's Craig Pollack, the team boss said his driver Jacques Villeneuve would not sign it.

More news as we get it...