Formula One race in Italy honors the U.S. victims

MONZA, Italy -- Michael Schumacher honored terrorist victims by driving a car with a black nose on a somber day of auto racing at the Italian Grand Prix.

Schumacher, already assured the drivers' title, rode in a Ferrari without advertising for the second straight day as the usually grand celebration at Monza turned sober and respectful.

Few flags waved and almost no trumpets played during Saturday's qualifying in which Colombia's Juan Montoya captured his third pole position of the year.

Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo had urged the fans -- among the world's noisiest -- to restrain themselves out of respect for the victims in New York and Washington.

The popularity of Formula One in Italy is surpassed only by that of soccer. And about 150,000 fans were looking to celebrate Ferrari's double triumph this year -- the fourth drivers' title for Schumacher and the team's third straight world manufacturers' title.

Schumacher, taciturn and looking gloomy, said he did not want to talk about terrorism. He will be going for his 53rd career victory Sunday and could become the first driver with four wins at Monza.

"We will do our best for our fans, although it's certainly difficult to concentrate on racing in this moment," Schumacher said.

There will be a minute of silence before the race. Organizers said drivers of the 22 teams will stand in front of the crowd in the finish line area.

Mechanics and drivers already paid respect to the victims between Friday's practices.

On Sept. 30, the U.S. Grand Prix is scheduled for Indianapolis Motor Speedway. U.S. organizers and auto racing authorities have said the race will be run.

"We will go to Indianapolis because we are men of sports," Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone told the Italian TV network RAI.