Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Circuit Length: 5.793 km
Lapcount: 53
Race Distance: 307.029 km
Lap record: 1:21.046 (Rubens Barrichello, 2004)
Nicknamed the Temple Of Speed, Monza is the fastest track on the
Formula 1 calendar today. As the oldest permanent circuit in Europe
that is still in use, it is steeped in history and the Tifosi
gather in the tens of thousands over the weekend to egg on their
beloved Scuderia Ferrari.
The circuit was built in 1922. Until 1961, Grand Prix cars ran on
the layout that included an oval section. Today's cars still pass
under it heading into the Ascari chicance, and the banking is still
visible at Parabolica, albeit in bad shape. A petition to restore
it can be signed here.
Monza has its fair share of fatalities over the years. The last one
was a marshal who was hit by debris in a pile-up in the 2000 Grand
Prix. The last driver fatality involved Ronnie Peterson in
1978.
Today's V8 F1 cars are able to reach speeds of up to 340km/h
(372km/h in the V10 era) on this smooth and wide circuit. Wings are
adjusted to the smallest angle of attack to achieve this, and teams
even remove winglets to reduce the drag further. Engines and brakes
take a huge beating during the race, and rear-tyre blistering is
also an issue.
Drivers love the challenge that the low downforce configuration
presents, especially through the Parabolica. It is a crucial bend
as it controls the speed that is carried onto the pit straight and
into the braking zone for the first chicane. Overtaking is not any
better at this track however, as the cars tend to space out
quickly.
A single pitstop strategy is the norm even though the pitlane is
relatively short. However, given this year's 2-tyre rules, few
teams are likely to gamble on the longevity of the softer option
using this strategy.
Although Ferrari are expected to do well here due to the nature of
the track, McLaren headed the timesheets throughout testing last
week. BMW have been tipped as the dark horses for this race, as
Robert Kubica snatched 3rd place and a maiden podium here last
year. Spyker's new car makes its debut, and it has a tall order to
fufill - move the team further forward from the back of the
grid.
The rain that featured in testing could make an appearance and
throw in more surprises.
Interestingly, none of this year's title protagonists has won at
this track at the highest level. Lewis Hamilton's lead over
Fernando Alonso in the championship has been cut to 5 points after
a tyre failure in the last race. Both Ferrari drivers are still at
least 15 points behind with just 5 rounds remaining.
The battle is set to get tighter on Sunday at 8 p.m. - stay
tuned!
