Formula 1 heads to Italy for Round 16 of this year’s championship. Who will reign around the ‘Temple of Speed’?
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The Italian Grand Prix holds a special place in the heart of Formula 1, not just for its deep-rooted history but also for the passion it ignites among fans and drivers alike. The race, set to unfold at the legendary Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, is more than just another stop on the F1 calendar. It’s an emblem of speed, tradition, and motorsport brilliance.
Known affectionately as the “Temple of Speed,” Monza is where legends are made and records are shattered. Among the most memorable moments in the circuit’s storied past is Michael Schumacher’s incredible 2003 performance. Then, he set the record for the highest average speed over a race distance, clocking in at a blistering 247.585 km/h. Schumacher’s legacy at Monza is indelibly etched into F1’s fabric, with his name synonymous with both excellence and the adoration of the Italian tifosi.
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Five-time winner of the Italian Grand Prix Schumacher is admired not just for his victories, but for the connection he fostered with Ferrari and its passionate supporters. The German’s dominance at Monza remains a high point in the circuit’s history, symbolising the interaction between man and machine at its finest.
The trophy’s name
As F1 gears up for this weekend’s race, this year, the winner’s trophy, aptly named “VROOOM,” captures the essence of the sport’s speed and energy. Designed by contemporary artist Andrea Sala, the trophy is a tribute to the power and innovation embodied by Pirelli, the race’s title sponsor. Sala explained to Pirelli:
“The name VROOOM captures what I wanted to represent, namely the image of F1 I have always had since I was a child: the start, the cars lined up on the grid, the lights going out, and the sprint down to the first corner. The trophy transforms this moment – the starting point for everything, the sprint, the speed – into a sculpture.”
On the technical side, this year’s race at Monza brings its own set of challenges and innovations. Pirelli will provide the same tyre compounds as last year – C3, C4, and C5, designated as Hard, Medium, and Soft, respectively. However, the newly resurfaced track at Monza adds a layer of unpredictability. The fresh asphalt, darker and smoother than its predecessor, is expected to heat up significantly, especially if the sun shines bright on race day. This could push track temperatures above 50°C, impacting tyre performance and degradation, making tyre strategy even more crucial.
Monza’s high-speed nature, where cars are set up in their lowest aerodynamic configuration to minimise drag, means that tyres are subjected to intense lateral loads, particularly in the fast corners like the Parabolica and Curva Grande. Stability under braking and traction out of the chicanes will be key factors to monitor as teams fine-tune their setups during the free practice sessions. With the new surface likely to offer increased grip, drivers and teams must adapt quickly to the evolving conditions throughout the weekend.
