Schumacher acknowledges <I>tifosi</I>.

World champion Michael Schumacher has paid tribute to Ferrari's legendary fans - the tifosi - by incorporating the colours of the Italian flag into his helmet design for this weekend's celebratory homecoming.

World champion Michael Schumacher has paid tribute to Ferrari's legendary fans - the tifosi - by incorporating the colours of the Italian flag into his helmet design for this weekend's celebratory homecoming.

Ferrari turns out for its home race having clinched a sixth successive constructors' title at the Hungarian Grand Prix, while Schumacher wrapped up his seventh drivers' crown - and his fifth with the Scuderia - at Spa-Francorchamps two weekends ago. Despite having crashed heavily during last week's pre-race test, the German insists that he could not wait to return to Monza to celebrate with the team's loyal supporters.

"It is always nice to race in front of our tifosi, and I am happy to be back at Monza again after two days of testing last week," he said, "We hope to put on a good show for all the fans who will be here to celebrate our recent winning of both titles."

The world champion also revealed a little touch designed to offer his own personal acknowledgement of tifosi's support over the years.

"The colours of the Italian flag on my helmet is a small thank-you to Italian Ferrari fans for all their support in the bad times as well as the good," he explained.

Schumacher also rewarded the fans with the fastest time of day one at Monza, holding on to top spot despite Kimi Raikkonen heading the afternoon practice session. Team-mate Rubens Barrichello was good enough for third fastest on the day.

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