Monza bosses resist change despite a growing dispute over track kerbs, sparking debate about the circuit’s future.
Are We Witnessing One of the Last Editions of the Legendary Italian Grand Prix at Monza? The place on the calendar of the Temple of Speed is indeed under threat. Even though 73 Grands Prix have taken place at the Autodromo, an absolute record for a track.
That is why the circuit has undertaken extensive works, notably to renovate its infrastructure, which were both aging and unsafe (the infamous tunnels for accessing the circuit…).
Naturally, Frédéric Vasseur, the head of Ferrari, applauds these changes. A calendar without Monza would not be a calendar for the tifosi!
“Yes, honestly, I really appreciate the effort made by the circuit on the infrastructure and even on the resurfacing of the asphalt – and so it’s definitely a good step forward, that’s for sure. It’s not the end, but it’s never the end for improving a circuit everywhere. I think Monza is in the same mindset and that’s good for the show. It’s good for F1, good for the fans. And I am not at all afraid that they will leave the calendar.”
Peter Bayer, CEO of RB F1, a team also based in Italy, logically supports the efforts of the Lombard promoters.
“Monza is the temple of speed worldwide. It’s a legendary circuit and we are very grateful to the organizers for the work they do here. As for the calendar, I think they certainly deserve a spot, but ultimately, it’s a decision for Formula 1, for Stefano and the team, and I’m sure he will make the right decision.”
Toto Wolff, not directly tied to Italy, notes that Stefano Domenicali might be tempted by a choice of the heart…
“It’s a fantastic place, one of the best circuits in the world. The tifosi, you don’t see them at any other circuit on the calendar, which gives it a unique spirit. But ultimately, it’s Stefano’s decision. I’m sure Monza has all his support, he lives just across the road, so it’s a short walk for him to the paddock. But there’s also a commercial reality, and I don’t think any of us can judge where it lies.”
Kerbs Controversy at Monza: An Unwelcome Distraction?
However, at perhaps the worst possible moment, Monza found itself at the centre of a minor controversy raised by the drivers. They were not consulted by the circuit when changing the kerbs: the large curbs, especially at Ascari, have been replaced by flat kerbs.
For Peter Bayer, this is a non-issue. Despite the objections of a few drivers who point out that the circuit has lost some of its challenge and character?
“I heard a comment from our two drivers during the session, saying there is still a lot of difference to be made with the driving, so we can expect an exciting weekend with some great racing, in F2 and F1. Our drivers thought it could affect the character, but I think that’s a bit microcosmic.”
Toto Wolff, on his part, acknowledges that the nature of the track, or part of the track, has changed. For better or worse?
“I think there are details that matter for a circuit and what we’ve heard is that the kerbs were an integral part of what Monza represents. And that’s certainly true because finding the right balance between the kerb, the little strip of tarmac that was there, was a challenge and now the kerbs have been changed. I haven’t heard George or Lewis say that this has taken away a lot of their enjoyment. What we discussed in the session was that Ascari will probably be one turn instead of three. So it’s going to be very fast.”
Finally, for Frédéric Vasseur, these kerbs are a tempest in a teapot…
“I think that at the end of the weekend, nobody will be talking about it, the philosophy of the circuit hasn’t changed. It’s the fastest circuit of the season. It’s true that some corners will change marginally, like Ascari, because it will probably be a bit more flat-out. But in the end, it’s the same for everyone. We are here to compete and fight, and the curbs are the same for everyone, and I don’t care about them.”
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Will Monza Stay on F1 Calendar Despite Kerb Debate? Will Monza Stay on F1 Calendar Despite Kerb Debate?
