GreenBkk.com Mercedes GP | MONZA, PREVIEW: ROSS: “MONZA IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH FORMULA ONE CARS AT THEIR VERY TOP SPEEDS.”

MONZA, PREVIEW: ROSS: “MONZA IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH FORMULA ONE CARS AT THEIR VERY TOP SPEEDS.”

RACE NEWS // 02.09.2011

The final European race of the 2011 season, Round 13, the Italian Grand Prix, takes place on Sunday 11 September at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, just outside of Milan. One of the most atmospheric circuits on the calendar, the 5.793 km circuit in the royal park at the heart of Monza features four long straights where top speeds can reach 340 kph.

Monza is the fastest circuit of the year with an average lap speed of 255 kph; the season average is 211 kph. The Formula One Italian GP has been won from pole 18 times in 61 races, including seven times in the past ten years.

DRS can be used for 74% of the lap (or 4.29 km) in practice and qualifying - the highest percentage of the season.

For Ross, “Monza is always a fitting venue for the final European race, and spending a race weekend there is a special experience. The unique high-speed circuit is a classic racing venue, and one of the best places to watch Formula One cars at their very top speeds. Coming off the back of our best result of the season in Spa, we are looking forward to the weekend and to finishing the European season on a high. With the emphasis jointly on engine power and aerodynamic efficiency, we have the benefit of our Mercedes-Benz engine and, as always for Monza, we will run a special low-downforce aerodynamic package to minimise drag on the long straights.”

Norbert also points out that “Monza features the highest straightline speeds of the year at around 350 kph, the highest average lap speed and, at 83%, the highest percentage of the lap spent at full throttle - not for nothing is it known as a ‘temple of speed’. The engine and KERS system will play an important role at this circuit, but it is equally important to develop an effective low-drag aerodynamic package and to make sure the car feels stable on the brakes. Michael and Nico both enjoyed strong, trouble-free races in Spa to score a solid result for the team with fifth and sixth places. We will be hoping for more of the same in Monza.”

Credit: Mercedes GP (www3.mercedes-gp.com)