Ferrari to run updated engine at Italian GP

Ferrari has confirmed it will use its third-spec power unit at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix in a bid to give drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel a performance boost.

While immediate rivals Mercedes and Red Bull both ran with updated engines on at least one of their cars at Spa last weekend, Ferrari opted to only give its third-spec power unit to its customer teams, Alfa Romeo and Haas, before planning to make the switch at Monza.

Concerns were raised when Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi was sidelined by an engine failure in qualifying on Saturday, with Ferrari F1 chief Mattia Binotto confirming after the race that a full investigation into the issue would be taking place.

Speaking in Ferrari's pre-Italian Grand Prix release, Binotto confirmed that it would be going ahead with plans to use the updated power unit for its home race, which will be taken without a penalty for either of its drivers.

"It’s time for our home Grand Prix and there can be no better way to come to Monza than as the winner of the last round in Spa-Francorchamps. It’s a great thank you to our fans who have given us so much support during what has been a far from easy season so far," Binotto said.

"Monza is a track where we run at very high average speeds, featuring long straights and heavy braking, running a low downforce package. This weekend, we plan to introduce our third power unit."

Ferrari heads to Monza as the favourite following Leclerc's win at Spa and its impressive straight-line speed with the SF90 car, but Binotto stressed there could be no letting up at the front of the pack as it looked to enjoy a successful homecoming.

"We saw in Belgium that, in order to win, we must do everything to perfection and our aim is to do exactly that in Monza too. There will be no room for error," Binotto said.

"Our home race is always important, but that is especially true this time, as we are celebrating 90 years of Scuderia Ferrari. Racing in front of our home fans is always an extra boost and further motivation to do well.

"Apart from anything else, there is no podium quite like Monza and we think there is no better crowd than the Italian one.”