Sep.8 (GMM) Mercedes GP could be the surprise of this weekend's Italian grand prix.

That is the view of Brazilian driver Felipe Massa, who said he is sure regular frontrunners Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari will also be on the pace at historic Monza.

"However, Mercedes have shown they have possibly the best top speed on the straight out of all of us and as that is so important at this circuit, they could also have some influence on the final result," he said.

Monza's Autodromo Nazionale, with the fastest average speed of the season at 255kph, features four long straights with top speeds expected to reach 350kph.

Mercedes' W02, featuring a highly competitive engine, DRS and KERS combination, was fast at high speed Spa-Francorchamps two weeks ago, where Michael Schumacher climbed from last on the grid to fifth at the finish.

"We learned at Spa that our car can be competitive at high speed tracks, and we definitely took a step forward there. I am confident that we can

do that again in Italy," said Nico Rosberg.

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