Monza provides the definitive test of a Formula 1 engine; it is also one of the most atmospheric venues in the world of motor racing. Modifications introduced in the name of safety mean there are some very tight chicanes, but thankfully Monza still boasts several breathtakingly fast sections and remains the fastest circuit on the calendar, with an average speed of around 250 km/h (155 mph). This demands the development of a one-off aerodynamic package, making it the most expensive race on the calendar in the process, in order to minimise drag and maximise top speeds.
Monza looks deceptively simple for the drivers but the challenge of consistently finding the limit in low-downforce setup demands skill and finesse and Monza's chicanes and four key corners all demand careful control over the harsh kerbs.
Gran Premio Santander d'Italia
Top speed:
350 km/h (217 mph)
Average speed:
250 km/h (155 mph)
Time at full-throttle:
77%
Time under braking:
10%
Gear changes per lap:
42
Tyre compounds:
soft/hard
Tyre wear:
high
Brake demand:
very high
Downforce level:
very low
Gran Premio Santander d'Italia
For more than three-quarters of each 5.793 km lap running through the Royal Park, the drivers are on full throttle, reaching top speeds of over 350 km/h (217 mph). However, the real challenge is the 265 km/h (165 mph) range the engine has to operate effectively over as the speed decreases to around 75 km/h (46 mph) in the first chicane. There is also the 15.5 second full-throttle section from the exit of the Parabolica to the start of braking for the first chicane to contend with. Together, this results in an engine mapping that has to offer power delivery from slow speed whilst also providing high-speed response on the exit of critical corners such as the Parabolica.
Heavy braking is also a key feature of Monza, and brakes and tyres are punished to the maximum. Therefore, brake durability is critical, as is the car's stability under braking over the kerbs and notoriously bumpy surface.
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Gran Premio Santander d'Italia
Key Points:
Turns 1-2 'Variante del Rettifilo' - A good run out of Parabolica provides drivers with the best opportunity to overtake while hard on the brakes into the tight first chicane.
Turns 4-5 'Variante della Roggia' - A tight chicane where cars regularly trip over each other, particularly when jostling for position on the first lap.
Turns 8-10 'Variante Ascari' - A long, sweeping chicane where optimal car balance is necessary in order to carry momentum onto the following straight.
Turn 11 'Curva Parabolica' - The key to top speed on the finishing straight lies in the perfect line through this famous corner.
