Posted on 31st August 2016
As we head to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend for the fourteenth race of the 2016 season Pirelli have selected the hardest Pirelli tyres which are the White Medium, Yellow Soft and Red Supersoft P Zero tyres for the fourth consecutive race running.
This weekend sees Monza being Pirelli's and Ferrari'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.
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. But with heavy longitudinal forces acting on tyres, we do see them worked on the cars 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. With corners such as the Parabolica and Curva Grande are particularly challenging, as they are long corners putting plenty of energy through the tyres. With the cars running low downforce means braking and acceleration is tricky: drivers must try to avoid wheelspin.
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.
But 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.
Here's my facts and figures as well as my predictions heading into the Italian Grand Prix this weekend. **
Facts and Figures:-
•Italy has hosted the Grand Prix since 1950.
•Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the track with five wins. Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton are the most successful current drivers to win the Grand Prix with three wins each.
•Ferrari is the most successful constructor to win the Grand Prix with nineteen wins.
•Race distance: 306.72km (190.59 miles)
•Number of turns:11
•Top speed: 339kph
•Lap record: Rubens Barrichello- Ferrari (2004)- 1.21.046
Winners from the last five Italian Grand Prix:-
•2011-Sebastian Vettel
•2012-Lewis Hamilton
•2013-Sebastian Vettel
•2014- Lewis Hamilton
•2015- Lewis Hamilton
My five things to look out for this weekend:-
1.Tyre performance-With Pirelli bringing a relatively normal tyre choices to Monza, all eyes will be upon Pirelli to see if the tyres will spice up the action at the track this weekend. But it will be interesting to see how that affects tyre usage and strategy during the race especially given the fact that the circuit has been resurfaced. Will this impact anyone's race on Sunday as a result?
2.Car set ups- With Monza being the fastest track on the circuit, the teams and drivers will be running low downforce set ups on the track this weekend. It will be interesting to see for example which teams will have the perfect set up this weekend to get the best result possible and which engine will come out on top.
3.Circuit changes- As I have mentioned, this will be the last time the Curva Grande will be featured in the race as there are plans for a new corner to be introduced and this will be the last race on the 'classic' layout. And I do believe that it is a shame for the sport and for the Monza circuit in particular as we have seen many great races being spiced up with the Curva Grande and shows a true test for the drivers. Question is; will it do the same again this year and spice up the action?
4.Performance of the Ferrari team- With the Ferrari team now being left behind after Red Bull have found some form on the track, all eyes will be upon the Italian team to deliver the goods this weekend at their home circuit. With the tifosi being out in force to see their team on, will they get the result they crave this weekend?
5.Performance of the Mercedes team- With Mercedes being the firm favourites heading into the race this weekend, all eyes will be upon them to see if they will still be as competitive as they were last season. But with Red Bull showing good performance and pace in the first few races, has their advantage and stranglehold on the sport been broken?
Sky Sports F1 are showing uninterrupted coverage of every Practice session, Qualifying and race for the Grand Prix (and every race of the season) and Channel Four also are showing coverage, details for both are below:-
Sky Sports F1:- Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 8.45am and 12.45pm [Replays throughout Thursday and Friday], Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 9.45am and 12.00pm [Replays throughout Saturday], Sunday (Race) 11.30am
Channel Four– Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 8.55am and 12.55am, Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 9.55am and 11.55am, Sunday (Race) 12.00pm
Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa
