Red Bulls wary of Monza test
September 08, 2010 16:48:17 UK
Rubens Barrichello was victorious for Brawn GP in the 2009 Italian grand Prix.Red Bull title contenders Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel have both expressed their love for Monza - although they are also fearing the worst this weekend.
Of all the races on this season's calendar, the Italian circuit is the venue least expected to favour Red Bull's cars.
With long straights, Monza is a power track, and with Red Bull's Renault engine 80bhp down on rivals Mercedes - who support McLaren - and Ferrari, the drivers face the race with a degree of anxiety.
Webber (currently 17.00 to win the Italian Grand Prix), who trails championship leader Lewis Hamilton (8.00) by just three points, believes even Force India - another Mercedes-powered team - could come into the equation over the weekend.
"There are a lot of things that make Monza unique and special, not least the passionate Italian tifosi (fans) who help to give the place a great atmosphere," said Webber.
"I love the way the track threads its way through the park too, and it remains one of the classic races on the F1 calendar.
"Of course it's renowned for its many long straights, that means a lot of heavy braking, so it can be quite hard on the car.
"I think we can still do well at Monza, but we might have a bit more in the way of opposition.
"In addition to Ferrari, McLaren and Renault, Force India could also be in the mix for the top places."
Team-mate Vettel, who can be backed at 21.00 to take the chequered flag on Sunday, is in desperate need of a good result after seeing his championship hopes suffer in the last race in Belgium 10 days ago.
The German first collided with Jenson Button's McLaren, incurring a drive-through penalty, before later suffering a puncture after running over the front wing of Vitantonio Liuzzi's Force India.
Vettel at least has happy memories of Monza as he took his first pole and win in 2008 when with Toro Rosso.
"It's good to be going back," said Vettel, who is currently 31 points behind Hamilton.
"It's a unique circuit with a great history and an unforgettable atmosphere due to the fans.
"But the circuit is one of the most challenging of the season, due to the low downforce levels and high top speeds.
"It includes very long straights where we reach more than 300kph, and there are the famous corners, Parabolica and Lesmo.
"It won't be easy for us, due to those long straights, but I'm sure we will do our best and keep fighting until the end."
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