Two separate DRS zones in Monza * * SPOILERS * *

Gonna be super race! Just wished they had reverse grids!

 

I have long said Monza is the track the MB car will perform well at. Ferrari will not do well as their resources are accounted for elsewhere at the moment. This race will be Mclaren and MB muscle and Schumacher could win this. Whatever the Mclaren has in mechanical grip (needed for turn 1 and 2 chicane), Mercedes can make up for in sheer acceleration. Should be a good one.

 

The Mercedes has for sure been really fast on the top speed front, but I still don't think they quite have enough for the win. Honestly I think Michael took the Mercedes as far as it could possibly go at Spa, however, you just never know.

Why do you say Ferrari has their resources accounted elsewhere? Maybe I missed that

 

I love most everyone on fchat. Good enough reason. I missed you all.

I say Ferrari have their resources spoken for because they have committed nearly everything to next year's car. Also, this year's Ferrari does not have the best top end or acceleration, but it does have excellent mechanical grip (only turn 1 and 2 at Monza would see any benefit). Who knows, Ferrari could have a low DF kit for Monza and surprise me.
I like Alonso much more than I did and wish him well.

Call me crazy, but Mclaren's MB engine combined with their excellent mech grip are in for a fight with W02s quick acceleration, high speed stability, and top speed. W02 has poor mechanical grip and acceleration grip from slow corners but that accounts for very little at Monza. Otherwise W02 is a dog and Bell has probably wiped his hands of it and has been knee deep in W03 for months now.

 

Hmm 2007, 2008, 2009. *Cough*

Should be a great race though, and I think the straights that the FIA has chosen are good places. From the start/finish line isn't too long and from the second Lesmo to the Ascari chicane is quite narrow and isn't really straight. Looking forward to this.

 

Ah, I missed that announcement I guess. I would still guess a Ferrari win over the MB but you raise interesting and valid points.

 

Ferrari have real issues heating the medium compound tires and have been swapping rear suspension geometry going from pre-Silverstone setup to post-Silverstone setup quite often. We'll see what they take to Monza.

I was waiting for a team to copy the Mercedes nose, only I didn't think anyone would do it until next year. Toro Rosso adopted the W02 nose this year for anyone who follows the technical stuff. Good stuff.

 

What does everyone think of two DRS zones?

I think it could be good in the fact that it can reverse it's own effect like in Canada/Spa where the car in front has no chance down the straight. In that regard I think it could help MB. Remember in Canada MS trying to hold off JB or whoever and just getting beasted in the DRS zone.

It could almost get Moto GP like though and really contrive the race.

 

MS could nick this one. MB has one of the best or if not, the best top speed car on the grid. SHould be a good one.

 

I wouldn't go as far as that...exit speed out of corners is also very important.

A podium would be brilliant though, and perhaps a possibility.

 

I agree. Tyres are going to be a major issue as well. Parabolica would be hurting lots of tyres, and who knows, Red Bull might get stinged here!

 

I'm sorry, but to make any kind of race prediction in 2011 without mentioning Red Bull is daft. Red Bull 1/2, McLaren 3/6, Ferrari 4/5.

 

I'll eat my shirt of RB7 wins at Monza. In the physical universe we occupy, I do not believe it can be done. Monza is entirely too top speed dependant for this to happen without a parting of the Red Sea sized miracle. This race is Mclaren's to lose followed very possibly by Mercedes.

 

I thought we were talking about everyone BEHIND Red Bull, i.e. 3rd. Or some failure for their car(s). I don't think there is a chance for anyone to beat Red Bull...

 

Let's have a look at the low downforce pack they bring shall we? They may fool us all and bring a 340kph scorcher

 

Word is RB is sort of writing off Monza and has no real low downforce package prepared for Monza. monza is sort of the Indy 500 of the season isn't it? Almost random....They did the same thing last year and they qualified 4th and 6th and of course did not win, but Vettel placed 4th and 28 seconds off the leader followed very closely by..........a Mercedes and then the RB of Mark Webber.

This year RB7 does not really have much more in terms of high end than RB6 so I believe it is entirely possible that RB will not podium this race (yes, I just said that). Mcl, MB, Ferrari, and Renault all have great top end and I just cannot see how -even with RB7s dominant corner speeds- can beat what really matters at Monza, which is of course hot, steamy pedal-to-the-metal speed.

 

I like it.
It allows the passed car to re-pass or at least catch up for the next zone.
Wheel-to-wheel is what its all about not trains or run aways.

 

it's Monza they should just make it all DRS Zone.

 

DIng ding ding!! we have a winner!

 

I'm anticipating this being a hot topic of debate after the race, so I'm getting in early with the spoiler warning for the title. Hope you guys don't mind.

All the best,
Andrew.