New track surface at Monza: Pirelli predicts high temperatures and significant track evolution | 2024 Italy GP
08/27/2024 04:55 PM
An additional uncertainty
“At Monza, everything will be new: the track surface, the curbs, even the layout of Turns 1 and 2.” Max Verstappen, speaking at the press conference following the Dutch Grand Prix last Sunday, emphasized that Monza will be almost entirely new for teams and drivers, starting from the first free practice session scheduled for Friday at 1:30 PM.
In presenting the Italian Grand Prix, official tire supplier Pirelli highlighted that the new track surface should not be underestimated, particularly regarding track temperatures and the pronounced evolution expected over the weekend. “At the beginning of August, following work that involved 240 workers and 92 vehicles, a team of Pirelli technicians conducted an inspection to gather data on the new asphalt, which was shared with the FIA and the teams in preparation for the final European race of the Formula 1 season,” the Pirelli preview of the Italian Grand Prix informs.
“As is usually the case when the asphalt has been freshly laid, it is smoother than the previous surface and darker in color. This latter characteristic will impact track temperatures, which, in sunny weather conditions, could be higher than in the past, potentially reaching significant peaks above 50°C. Theoretically, the asphalt offers more adhesive grip, which will affect tire performance and their operating temperatures. It is highly likely that we will witness a weekend with significant track evolution as the various categories participating in the event continue to run.” – Pirelli explain.
We will see how the Italian Grand Prix weekend unfolds, particularly in the qualifying session, where traffic in Q1 and the possibility of waiting until the last second in Q3 will be factors closely tied to the expected track evolution.
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