Dakar Rally Drivers Unimpressed with Changes to Iconic Monza Circuit
A host of drivers have expressed their disappointment with the changes made to the legendary Monza circuit ahead of this weekend’s Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.
While the resurfacing of the circuit will be the most visible alteration, revisions have also been made to the kerbs, with the profile of some being modified and others being installed from scratch. This has left many drivers, including Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo, feeling that the circuit has lost some of its cherished “old school” character.
“They’ve changed the kerbs. I went around the track this morning, and I can’t say I’m that impressed because I think some elements have lost some of the character of the circuit,” said Ricciardo.
The Ascari chicane, in particular, has undergone significant changes, with Ricciardo lamenting the loss of the circuit’s unique feel. “It’s very flat now, so ultimately, because we can use so much more kerb probably, it’s going to be wider and easier to be flat than through turns nine and ten,” he explained.
Ricciardo’s teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, shared similar sentiments, stating that the smoother, flatter track and kerbs have resulted in Monza losing some of its distinctive character. However, the young Japanese driver remains uncertain whether these changes will positively or negatively impact the racing.
Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu has highlighted the resurfacing and modifications as “the biggest challenge” facing teams this weekend, as they enter the unknown when practice begins on Friday. Kevin Magnussen, Haas’ driver, also expressed his hope that the track would still maintain the feel of the classic Monza layout.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, is reserving judgement until he has had the opportunity to drive the circuit in his Mercedes during the opening practice session. “I don’t want to judge it before I’ve driven it,” he said.
Williams driver Alex Albon shared a similar view, stating that while the circuit may have lost some of its unique character, the true impact of the changes will only become clear once the drivers have had a chance to explore the new-look Monza during practice.
The need to understand the effects of the revisions cannot be overstated, as evidenced by Aston Martin’s decision to allow both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll to participate in the first practice session, rather than handing the seat to reserve driver Felipe Drugovich as originally planned.
As the Formula 1 circus descends on the iconic Monza circuit, the drivers will be closely scrutinizing the impact of the changes, hoping to find that the circuit has retained its beloved “old school” charm despite the modifications.
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