Formula One news
Monza chassis preview
04 September 2007Monza is the fastest circuit on the calendar, with an average speed of around 250 kph. Although the teams use low downforce configurations in Canada and the USA, Monza demands the development of a one-off aerodynamic package, in order to attain competitive top speeds of around 340 kph.
This is often termed an "ultra low downforce" package, but the critical parameter is actually drag, and namely minimising its effects in order to achieve target top speeds. In the wind tunnel, the teams concentrate on ultra-efficient wing designs, which often vary quite significantly up and down the pit-lane. Naturally, these efficient low-drag wings also produce less downforce. The Monza aero package generates approximately 20% less downforce at 250 kph than the one we use in Monaco.
Mechanical grip, stability and ride are major set-up areas in Monza. This is firstly because the low downforce levels place a premium on mechanical grip, secondly because good braking stability is essential as the drivers spend nearly 15% of the lap on the brakes, and thirdly to ensure the drivers can use the kerbs aggressively in the chicanes in order to gain lap-time. The set-up compromise must provide the drivers with a good change of direction in the low and medium-speed chicanes, while also ensuring strong traction exiting the slower corners.
Equally, it is important to achieve good braking stability in order that the drivers can attack the heavy braking zones with confidence. The engineers will try and run the cars as low as possible for maximum aerodynamic performance. To avoid "touching" at high speeds, when the bottom of the car effectively drags along the ground, we use bump rubbers in the suspension and the car will 'sit' on these at high speed.
The cars spend nearly 15% of the lap braking, meaning this is an area in which lap-time can be gained. The mechanical set-up will be tweaked to improve the drivers' confidence in the car's braking stability, while the braking system itself is accorded special attention.
The brakes are worked very hard at Monza, with similar braking energies to those achieved in Canada, and this is particularly the case into turn 1 where the drivers experience braking forces that peak at 4.5G. The cars must negotiate four big braking events from over 320 kph, and special attention is paid to brake cooling to ensure optimum performance for minimal drag penalty.
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