It’s finally here: Pirelli’s
home race at the fastest grand prix circuit of them all, making Monza the
undisputed ‘temple of speed’. The actual cornering speeds aren’t excessive,
so instead it’s all about the straights, where the cars come close to 360kph
thanks also to specific low-drag configurations that are generally only seen
in Italy. Pirelli has chosen the medium, soft and (for the first time)
supersoft tyres at Monza: the fourth consecutive race where this selection
is being used. In terms of atmosphere, the Parco Reale di Monza remains
unique: a historic venue used continuously for Formula 1 since 1950 (with
only one exception) that inspires not just the fans, but also the drivers.
THE CIRCUIT FROM A TYRE POINT OF VIEW:
- While average speeds are high, cornering speeds are reasonably low,
minimising tyre wear.
- This means that some teams could aim for a one-stop strategy.
- Heavy longitudinal forces act on tyres, especially under braking and
traction in the two chicanes.
- The drivers tend to hit the famous kerbs at Monza hard, which further
tests the tyre structure.
- Parabolica and Curva Grande are particularly challenging, as they are long
corners putting plenty of energy through the tyres.
- Low downforce means braking and acceleration is tricky: drivers must try
to avoid wheelspin.
THE THREE NOMINATED COMPOUNDS:
- White medium: a mandatory set that will be important for the race if using
a one-stop strategy.
- Yellow soft: again a mandatory set, could come into play for a two-stop
strategy in particular.
- Red supersoft: mandatory in qualifying; most of the top 10 are very likely
to start on this tyre.
HOW IT WAS A YEAR AGO:
- Lewis Hamilton dominated the weekend with a grand slam. He used a one-stop
strategy, starting on soft and changing to medium on lap 26 (of 53). The
entire top 10 stopped just once.
- Best alternative strategy: Daniel Ricciardo was the highest-placed driver
to start on the medium tyre and then change to soft, going from 19th on the
grid to eighth at the finish.
PAUL HEMBERY, PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR:
“With Monza coming straight after Spa, that’s two epic circuits in the space
of just over one week, but for any organisation in Formula 1, your home race
is always the most supersoft coming to Monza for the first time, we might
also see some record top speeds in qualifying especially. Last year we saw
the majority of competitors opt for a one-stop strategy, but the arrival of
the supersoft could make multi-stop options more attractive this time.”
WHAT’S NEW?
- There are no changes to Monza this year, but major changes are planned for
2017 with a new first corner bypassing the Curva Grande. So this will be the
last race on the ‘classic’ layout.
- After Monza, Pirelli’s 2017 tyre test campaign using mule cars will resume
with Ferrari at Barcelona (September 6-7) and Mercedes at Paul Ricard
(September 6-8).
- As was the case in Belgium, Pirelli will supply some prototype tyres
(without coloured markings) for Friday’s free practice sessions only. These
are designed to better resist multiple impacts or damage from foreign
bodies.
OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE CAUGHT OUR EYE RECENTLY:
- Six sets of Formula 1 team mates have chosen different tyre allocations
for Monza
- Exclusive Pirelli P Zero tyres will be seen on the new Lamborghini
Centenario, set to be unveiled at Salon Privé in the United Kingdom during
the same weekend as Monza. |