Google+ Jack Leslie F1: 2015 Italian Grand Prix Preview

1 September 2015

2015 Italian Grand Prix Preview

The 12th round of the 2015 Formula 1 season takes place at the historic Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy. 
© Octane Photographic
Following the action-packed Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, the sport now heads to another classic track for the final European race of the season. 


Set in the stunning parkland of the Royal Villa of Monza, the area is steeped in motorsport history with the modern Monza circuit running just metres away from the classic oval that hosted the Italian Grand Prix decades ago. 

This year’s event will be the 66th time that it has appeared on the F1 schedule and the 65th time the race has taken place at Monza, with Imola hosting just one Italian Grand Prix in 1980.

© Octane Photographic
It is one of four circuits – along with Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and the Circuit de Monaco – to have been included on the calendar for the inaugural Formula 1 season back in 1950. 

Monza has remained the sport’s fastest track, despite the addition of several chicanes over the years to slow the cars down. It features three long straights and four flat-out sections. 

Of course, the race is known not only for its incredible racing and history, but also the fanatical supporters that visit over the weekend. Ferrari’s Tifosi will be in brighter spirits this year, with the team putting on a more competitive showing and winning two races. 

Ferrari has won the Italian Grand Prix 18 times, more than any other constructor. However, it is chasing its first victory at Monza since 2010. Meanwhile Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the Italian Grand Prix, having won the event five times. Nelson Piquet took four victories and Sebastian Vettel is the most successful current driver with three triumphs. 

A lap of the 3.600 mile circuit begins on the long start/finish straight, with the pit lane entry and exit to the right. The first two corners make up the Variante del Rettifilo chicane, which is approached at well over 200mph. 

The opening section features a heavy braking zone, with huge deceleration as drivers hit the apex of the first corner and line up the second part of the chicane. Stability under braking is crucial at Monza, and a car also needs to ride the high kerbs well. 
© Octane Photographic

The tricky right-left chicane is difficult to get right and is notorious for first lap crashes (for example, the big pile-up in 2011). It is the best overtaking place on the track, particularly as it follows the first DRS zone, and the run-off area and escape road helps to save those who get it wrong. 

Traction out of the chicane is vital for the long run under the trees and through the flat-out Curva Grande. The long, sweeping bend is the final corner in the first sector; with the second part of the lap starting as the cars hit the brakes and head under the bridge for the Variante della Roggia. 

The challenging left-right chicane, like the first two corners, features high and unforgiving kerbs. It is very easy to spin here as drivers hit the accelerator pedal and with the increased torque levels of modern F1 machinery. 

A short burst of power leads to the famous Curve de Lesmos. The first section of the two-part corner is a slightly banked right-hander, with the second being slightly faster. A good exit here is important for the long run to the Variante Ascari. 

The straight – which is where the second DRS zone will be - features a gentle left-hand bend and briefly dips downhill, before heading back uphill for the eighth, ninth and 10th corners. The braking zone for the first part of the Variante Ascari section is bumpy and tricky, as the drivers pass under the famous banking of the old oval track. 
© Octane Photographic

The first part is a medium-speed left-hander. Turn 10 was previously taken flat-out and there is plenty of run-off area on the exit of the left-hander. Getting the entry to the first part right is essential to carry momentum through the next two corners and onto the next long straight. 

The iconic Parabolica hairpin is approached at close to 210mph, with a heavy braking zone for the entry. Speed gradually builds during the long final corner, providing a sling-shot onto the start/finish straight. Changes were made last year, with the unforgiving gravel trap being replaced by a tarmac run-off area. 

The majority of the teams will bring Monza-specific, low downforce front and rear wings to the Italian Grand Prix. Aerodynamic efficiency, high engine power and braking stability are all crucial ingredients for a fast lap around the circuit. 

As the long straights are broken up by tight chicanes, brake management is an important factor during a race. Meanwhile the gearbox and power units will come under huge amounts of stress as well. This could cause more reliability issues and several drivers are already over the power unit element limit. 

The soft and medium compound tyres will be taken to the event by Pirelli. Mercedes is the team to beat once again and those with the German manufacturer’s power unit will be at an advantage, but it will not be as great as last year due to Ferrari’s 2015 progress. 

The Italian outfit heads to its home race as the second fastest team, and will be looking to pick up the pieces if Mercedes hit trouble. Williams should go well, while Red Bull and Toro Rosso could struggle more. Force India and Lotus will be more competitive due to the importance of engine power. 
© Formula 1

Italian Grand Prix Fact File: 

Location: Monza, Italy 
Track Length: 3.600 miles 
Direction: Clockwise 
Turns: 11 
Laps: 53 
First race: 1950 
Lap record: Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari, 2004, 1:21.046 
Tyre compounds: Soft and medium 
2014 race winner: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 
2014 pole position: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:24.109 
2014 fastest lap: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:28.004 
Live on: Sky Sports F1 (highlights on BBC)

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