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TRACK CHARACTERISTICS
* Last year’s pole from Kimi Raikkonen became the fastest-ever lap of Monza
and in Formula 1 history, at an average speed of 263.587kph. The fastest
Monza race lap still stands at 1m21.046s (with an average of 257.320kph),
courtesy of Rubens Barrichello back in 2004.
* This year’s choices are broadly similar to last year, when medium, soft
and supersoft were selected. The only difference is that the current C4 is
softer than the 2018 supersoft, while the C2 is also a little softer than
last year’s medium. As usual, the data from previous years is a key factor
when it comes to selecting tyres for races.
* Teams run the lowest downforce possible at Monza, to maximise top speed on
the long straights. This means that the tyres have to provide maximum
mechanical grip through the corners, and that understeer can also sometimes
be an issue: also because teams aim to protect the rear tyres in order to
optimise traction.
* The weather is usually dry and warm at Monza, but last year there was
intermittent rain during Friday and Saturday, which made the usual job of
data collection quite tricky.
* Last year, Lewis Hamilton won the race from third on the grid with a
one-stop strategy, which was used by the majority of competitors. He pitted
later than polesitter Raikkonen and then used the advantage of fresher tyres
to make a move for the lead later in the race.
* There are some big kerbs that the drivers hit very hard: especially at the
Rettifilo and Roggia chicanes. This means that the structural strength of
the tyres is an important factor. |
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MARIO ISOLA - HEAD OF CAR
RACING
“Monza is still a huge challenge for drivers, cars and tyres: a bit like
Spa, who took place last weekend. Unlike last year though, we don’t have the
same tyre nomination for both races. While Spa featured harder tyres
compared to 2018, at Monza the softest choice is slightly softer than last
year. With the fastest-ever lap in Formula 1 history set in qualifying at
Monza last year, and a tendency for the cars to be even faster this year, we
might see more history being made this weekend. While Monza is traditionally
renowned as a place where it’s hard to overtake, last year’s race also
showed how tyre strategy can make an important difference. For the last two
years it has rained at some point during the Monza weekend as well, adding
another variable to what is always a very closely-fought race with small
margins.”
OTHER PIRELLI NEWS
* A number of celebrations are planned leading up to the Monza weekend: on
September 4, Ferrari and ACI (the Italian motorsport federation) will
jointly celebrate 90 year of Ferrari and the 90th Italian Grand Prix to be
held at Monza, with a parade and festival at Milan’s Piazza Duomo.
* During the same weekend as the Italian Grand Prix, Pirelli will be a
sponsor of the exclusive Salon Privé in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in
the United Kingdom. Part garden party, part motor show, Salon Privé hosts
the launch of more than 10 prestigious new cars this year, as well as
celebrating 100 years of Bentley. |
