Formulation 1 returns to the home that energy constructed, for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at historic Monza circuit.
A significant storyline for the second half of the 2024 F1 season is the struggle for sixth place between Haas and Visa Money App RB F1 Group. VCARB acquired out to a giant lead in that battle, holding a 28-7 lead over Haas following the Spanish Grand Prix. However back-to-back sixth-place finishes from Nico Hülkenberg noticed Haas shut the hole, which now sits at a 34-27 benefit for VCARB.
Whereas each groups have been shut out of the factors in Zandvoort, VCARB is trying so as to add to their whole at a modified Monza this weekend.
“Monza is a well-liked circuit on the F1 calendar amongst groups and drivers. Constructed within the Nineteen Twenties, you may really feel the historical past of the place and nonetheless see the unique banking in locations,” stated Alan Permane, the staff’s Sporting Director, of their media preview. “Trendy Monza is a low downforce and high-speed circuit with the automobiles usually exceeding 350kph. With excessive velocity comes excessive braking calls for, from 350kph the automobiles drop to round 70kph for the Flip 1/2 chicane and the brake cooling have to be optimized to permit good efficiency but additionally to forestall overheating and extreme materials put on.
“For 2024 the observe has been fully resurfaced, historically it’s been a low tire put on and degradation race, however a brand new floor could change this, and elements of Friday’s follow classes can be dedicated to checking the tire habits for Sunday’s race to assist put together for the optimum race technique.”
Driver Yuki Tsunoda hailed the fun of tackling the high-speed circuit, one of many quickest on the F1 calendar.
“Monza is at all times a particular weekend, not simply because it’s one other residence race for the staff the place we will count on loads of help from our followers, however as a result of it’s actually distinctive, because the final true high-speed circuit on the calendar,” stated Tsunoda. “Driving a automobile with little or no downforce is at all times thrilling. The entire observe has been fully resurfaced so not one of the groups actually know what to anticipate, though it might provide extra grip than prior to now, which could have a knock-on impact on tire efficiency. Discovering the appropriate set-up can be difficult because the observe will evolve in a short time from one session to the subsequent.”
As for Daniel Ricciardo, who received right here in 2021, Monza brings again nice reminiscences in addition to providing up one thing equally necessary.
Nice pizza.
“Pumped to be on observe once more this week, particularly at Monza. Though we didn’t rating factors in Zandvoort, we executed a fantastic race and undoubtedly acquired essentially the most out of the automobile and technique, I do know we will construct on that this week,” stated Ricciardo. “I’ve at all times acquired nice reminiscences of Monza, the followers are wonderful, the win in 2021, however most significantly the pizza is one thing particular.”
