McNish expects monster Monza

Renault go into this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix on the crest of a wave, according to test driver Allan McNish.

The Scotsman is confident Renault can continue their good recent form, although he cautioned against expecting Spanish youngster Fernando Alonso to repeat the stunning victory he achieved last time out in Hungary.

The former Toyota driver said: “We have had some very good races recently and although nobody in the team is going to Monza expecting a repeat of Budapest, I think we can put in a strong race.

“The nice thing about this year is that it has been so hard to predict before we get there.”

McNish, who will perform testing duties on Friday before putting his feet up when the real action begins, is looking forward to the trip to Monza.

“It’s a race I enjoy, and not just because the circuit is now the only really high-speed race on the calendar,” he added.

“Monza has its own atmosphere, and the whole place is steeped in history.”