McLaren team boss hopes DRS can help create "exciting and unpredictable" race
Last Updated: September 8, 2011 8:24am
Whitmarsh: evocative occasion
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh says the full effect of DRS could well be felt this weekend when Formula One visits Monza for the Italian Grand Prix.
The venerable track, which is situated in a former royal park on the outskirts of Milan, has altered little in the 89 years it has staged motor racing and is famous for its speed and the slipstreaming battles it creates.
Attempts have been made to rein the cars in, such as with the introduction of three chicanes in the early 1970s, however Monza remains the fastest track on the F1 calendar with an average speed of 158mph, and with the 53 laps and 190 miles covered in just 75 minutes.
Throw in the two DRS (drag reduction system) zones to assist with overtaking this year, as well as KERS (kinetic energy recovery system), and it is no wonder Whitmarsh anticipates plenty of action.
"Perhaps it's a bit premature to be discussing the return of the epic 'Monza slipstreamer'," said Whitmarsh.
"But I think the whole team is going to Italy keen to see if DRS will create the sort of exciting and unpredictable grands prix we either watched or read about when we were younger.
"At the very least, going to Monza is always a very evocative and historic occasion.
"Perhaps more than any other circuit you can feel the sport's past here, and it's become the perfect venue to bid farewell to the European season before we head to the final flyaways.
"I think it's very important Formula One keeps hold of these 'classics', which also includes circuits such as Spa, Silverstone and Monaco, while also investing in new venues for the future.
"Despite its age, Monza certainly never gets any easier, so it's rewarding to know that, even after 61 grands prix, the circuit is as much of a challenge as ever.
"That's a great testament to the enduring appeal of the place, and the restlessly competitive nature of Formula One."
Spectacular
After finishing second twice at the venue over the past two years, Jenson Button would naturally love to go one better this weekend.
As a driver in form at present, Button believes the two DRS zones are likely to result in what could be "some pretty spectacular moves".
"The first zone's going to be interesting because it's always been very tough to challenge for position under braking for Ascari," said Button.
"The track's pretty narrow and it's a fast entry, so I'll be really interested to see how well DRS will work into that corner.
"I think the more conventional passing opportunity will come from the second DRS zone.
"Getting as close as possible into Parabolica, holding on through the corner, which won't be straightforward, and then deploying DRS down the start-finish straight before, hopefully, passing into turn one.
"The DRS is going to be a pretty major asset for a following car, and it might shape the race in some really interesting ways."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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