This weekend in Italy, the sun will finally set on the European leg of the 2011 Formula 1 season. From here on, a reduced number of F1 travelling personnel will see out the remainder of this year's Grand Prix.

This race also marks the final outing for team motorhomes - the temporary travelling palaces used by teams to house drivers and VIP's and other members of staff during a race weekend. Mercedes GP will wave goodbye to their two year old, three-storey structure (including roof terrace) for another year, when it is dismantled Sunday evening.

Earlier this weekend, McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh described Monza as the 'perfect venue' to bid farewell to the European season.

"Despite its age, Monza certainly never gets any easier, so it's rewarding to know that, even after 61 grands prix, the circuit is as much of a challenge as ever. That's a great testament to the enduring appeal of the place, and the restlessly competitive nature of Formula One."

Six additional long-haul races will bring the 2011 Formula 1 season to a close on November 27 in São Paulo, Brazil.